Addressing a Critical Need in Arizona
In a move highlighting their commitment to community health and well-being, CVS Health has announced a significant investment in affordable housing for Arizona’s senior population. The company is dedicating $22.6 million to the development of new housing units specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and older with disabilities.
Construction of this much-needed housing project has already begun, and upon completion, it will offer residents a secure and comfortable living environment. But the initiative goes beyond just providing a roof over their heads.
The development will also incorporate on-site wellness programming, crucial for this age group. Residents will have access to services that address their specific needs, including programs for disabilities and substance use disorder.
This project is a collaborative effort between CVS Health, La Frontera, and Red Stone Equity Partners. It reflects a shared vision of creating a supportive environment where seniors can thrive. In addition to the substantial financial investment in housing development, CVS Health is also providing a $100,000 grant to La Frontera Center. This grant will directly support the organization’s existing suite of programs and services, ensuring a holistic approach to resident well-being.
“It’s important for the community to have equal access to housing, jobs and health,” said Joel Helle, Vice President of Specialty Physician Services at CVS Health.
He elaborated on the connection between stable housing and overall health, stating, “Without these resources, it becomes much more difficult for people to fight a disease or get tested for diseases.”
Helle also emphasized the critical situation faced by Arizona’s senior population.
“Arizona has the fourth largest homelessness rate in the United States, and especially for people 55 and older and/or disabled people,” he highlighted. “We have a problem here in Arizona, and this allows us to provide affordable housing by investing in federal tax credits.”
The new development will provide approximately 85 affordable housing units, offering much-needed relief for Arizona’s senior community. La Frontera’s existing programs, further bolstered by the CVS Health grant, will play a vital role in resident health. These programs include assisting residents with accessing healthcare providers and essential health screenings, such as blood pressure tests. As Helle explained,
“We’ve invested $100,000 there with La Frontera who runs the program there to make sure that people can get to a provider, get testing for things like blood pressure, for things like heart disease, to make sure they’re getting that’s the first step they’re getting to care…”
Finally, the project prioritizes accessibility. The housing units are designed to be user-friendly for residents with disabilities, ensuring their independence and overall well-being.
“The affordable housing unit is set up so that regardless of your disability they have access,” said Helle. “There’s bathrooms, the getting up there in the elevator, all of that stuff is very easy for people so that their disability doesn’t get in the way of them being able to live there and thrive.”
This initiative by CVS Health serves as a model for corporate social responsibility. By investing in affordable housing and supporting the critical work of organizations like La Frontera, CVS Health is making a positive impact on the lives of Arizona’s senior citizens.