Promoting health and well-being in North Carolina with safe and stable housing

Where we live — the place we lay our heads at night — has a profound effect on everyday life. Yet 15 million people in the United States don’t have access to stable housing, and according to America's Health Rankings Senior Report, almost 30% of seniors in North Carolina report severe housing issues.

To address the need for greater access to safe, affordable housing, UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, has invested $8.5 million to support housing in North Carolina, including support of the Crestfield Apartments in Wendell. 

“There is a strong connection between housing and health. If you don’t have a safe place to stay, it may be difficult to feel secure or manage your overall well-being,” said Anita Bachmann, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina. “UnitedHealth Group has invested more than $500 million in affordable housing, and this investment in North Carolina underscores our commitment to housing and support services to drive better health outcomes for our underserved communities.”

The North Carolina investment is part of an affordable housing initiative nationwide, with another $1 million in grants to provide on-site health-related services for residents. The company’s support for an onsite community health worker will provide Crestfield residents access to valuable resources and services, while boosting their capacity to achieve improved health and well-being.

In addition to rehabbing Crestfield Apartments, which houses 40 seniors, Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) received a $35,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina to fund a community health worker as part of their Aging with Options model to link residents to preventive health care and provide disease self-management education resources. As one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing owners/operators in the nation, the VOANS portfolio includes over 240 properties and 15,000 affordable housing units. 

“We are grateful for UnitedHealth Group’s investment in affordable housing communities,” said Sharon Wilson Geno, EVP, COO, Volunteers of America National Services. “This funding allowed for a complete update to Crestfield Apartments, which will ensure safe and quality living units and energy-efficient building systems. These upgrades enable VOANS to continue providing affordable living options for North Carolina’s low-income seniors long into the future.”