Atrium Health said it plans to invest $10 million in affordable housing initiatives in Charlotte, N.C., where the system is headquartered.
Hospital officials announced the investment in a news release June 4, noting that inadequate housing can negatively affect people's health. The system said it seeks to improve the health of the community through the funding commitment.
"As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we have historically measured our success in Charlotte by how many Fortune 500 companies choose to headquarter here, how rapidly our skyline rises, and by our ability to attract word-class talent. Looking to the future, it will be just as important to measure our collective success by the ability of every citizen to thrive. This includes residents knowing where their next healthy meal will come from, having a safe and affordable place to live,and securing a well-paying job that will unlock the doors to the economic prosperity of this region for all," said Atrium Health President and CEO Eugene A. Woods.
Mr. Woods said the $10 million commitment is only the latest effort by Atrium focused on housing.
Earlier this year, the system revealed plans to partner with Local Initiatives Support Corp., a New York City-based nonprofit institution, to improve the health of Charlotte residents by placing health and social services within housing investments made through the city's housing opportunity investment fund.
The fund — a collaboration between the Foundation for the Carolinas, the city of Charlotte, corporations and philanthropic organizations — focuses on expanding affordable housing in Charlotte, according to Atrium. It is expected to raise and invest $50 million to build about 1,500 affordable housing units.
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