UnitedHealth Group has now invested more than $1.2 billion in affordable housing and mixed-income housing developments since 2011, continuing its commitment to address social drivers of health.
By the numbers
The investment helped create and preserve 32,000 affordable homes across 33 states and the District of Columbia.
The big picture
UnitedHealth Group’s investment strategy in housing, health and social services demonstrates its deep commitment to addressing social drivers of health to reduce health disparities. As the company continues to invest in affordable housing, it also measures the positive impact that safe, stable housing and supportive services have on the health of individuals and communities.
Why it matters
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, when households struggle to pay the rent, they have a higher risk for negative health outcomes. High housing costs can negatively affect health in a number of ways — including by forcing individuals to choose between paying rent and paying for health care services, medications or other necessities.
A tale of eight cities
Since the beginning of the year, UnitedHealth Group has contributed to affordable and mixed-income housing projects designed to help meet the needs of different populations in the following eight communities: Clearwater, Florida; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Modesto, California; New Rochelle, New York; Orange, California; and Reedley, California.
Details
The company’s diverse housing investment portfolio reflects the distinct needs and characteristics of the communities it serves, with properties in urban, suburban and rural settings for individuals, families, seniors and military veterans, many of whom have struggled with housing insecurity. Many of these communities are also helping connect affordable housing to health, with on-site or nearby supportive services and health programs to positively impact health outcomes.
For example:
Marple Manor grand reopening for senior housing
- The location offers 145 studio and one-bedroom homes with on-site supportive services for low-income seniors ages 62+ in California (ranked 50th in the nation in housing cost burden for seniors).
- UnitedHealth Group invested $17.25M toward the renovations, which included new electrical, plumbing and AC/heating systems; common area renovations; exterior repairs and improvements; and interior/furnishing updates to each apartment.
- On-site managers help coordinate health and wellness programs for residents.
New mixed‑use development in the American Indian Cultural Corridor
- The new build will create 83 affordable, family-focused housing units, including 20 units for individuals who have disabilities or have experienced homelessness.
- UnitedHealth Group invested $17.9M in the $55M project, which will also integrate medical, behavioral health, dental and administrative services under one new 30,000-square-foot health center, expanding clinic capacity by 3,000 patients annually.
- Additional features will include a community plaza for ceremonial and cultural use, a rooftop garden, a children’s play area, and outdoor gathering spaces.
“It’s fantastic. We couldn’t have found a better situation. I think it's going to be a wonderful community. I think it’s going to be something special because it’s not just a roof over our head. I hope that whoever is involved in this understands that it really does make a difference for a lot of people. A lot of us are just very happy.”
Daniel M. | Eastpointe Commons resident, Grand Rapids, Mich.
“I've lived here eight and a half years. In November, it'll be nine years, and this community is great. I feel safe here. I feel taken care of. It's just a great place to live.”
May L. | Marple Manor resident, Modesto, Calif.
“At UnitedHealth Group, we recognize that access to safe, affordable housing has a strong correlation with improved health and quality of life. The most recent additions to our affordable housing portfolio of investments include new or renovated units that are enhanced by on-site health and social services. These will help residents live more comfortably, safely and independently, with a stronger focus on their long-term health and well-being.”
Catherine Anderson | senior vice president of health optimization, UnitedHealth Group
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