Access to safe and affordable housing is a barrier to better health, and an estimated 14.5 million Americans currently lack access to stable housing.
In Los Angeles County, the statistics are just as striking. More than 50,000 individuals and family members are experiencing homelessness and the region faces a dire need for an additional 565,000 affordable homes to meet the existing demand of its lowest-income renters, according to LA Family Housing.
That’s why in Los Angeles UnitedHealthcare recently provided $12 million to build PATH Metro Villas, a 65-unit supportive housing development for formerly homeless individuals. Located near Skid Row, the new development includes studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, community rooms, an outdoor space and a shared community kitchen.
As the largest investor, along with partner Enterprise Housing Credit Investments, UnitedHealthcare was drawn to PATH’s focus in four key areas: housing, health care, employment and veteran services. In addition to providing safe housing, residents also have access to counseling, case management offices, a veteran’s connections center, community rooms and on-site support staffing.
The $12 million investment in Los Angeles is part of a larger, national affordable housing program. To date, UnitedHealthcare has invested $400 million in similar projects across the country, providing more than 4,500 new homes in 80 communities. The ongoing effort aims to help thousands of individuals and families achieve their dream of having a home they can afford and to help improve their well-being and quality of life.