CVS Health has announced it will invest $12.4 million to build 60 new units of affordable housing in south Phoenix and expand the company’s no-cost preventive health screening program, Project Health, in the greater Phoenix area. The move is part of the company’s commitment to provide $600 million over five years to address racial inequity and social determinants of health in Black communities. The new 60-unit Newsom Village development will be located in south Phoenix. Data compiled from the Arizona Health Services indicate approximately 79% of south Phoenix area residents identify as Black or Latino, the company said.
- According to the Phoenix Housing Plan, more than 50% of south and west Phoenix area households pay greater than 30% of their income on housing costs. In comparison, less than 29% of households were housing cost-burdened in north Phoenix.
- Newsom Village, the new 60-unit complex will offer two- and three-bedroom apartments at reduced rent to families with demonstrated need. The complex will also have units set aside for victims of domestic violence.
- David Casey, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health, said, “When people have access to high-quality, affordable housing and services like preventive screenings, it puts them in a better position to take care of their health and manage chronic disease.”
- The company said it is working with local nonprofit, UMOM New Day Centers, which is developing Newsom Village and is Arizona’s innovative leader in shelter, services, and housing for families, single women, and youth experiencing homelessness. In addition to shelter and services, UMOM currently has over 500 affordable housing units in the Valley, with an additional 72 units opening in Glendale this year.
- CVS Health will also expand its Project Health no-cost biometric screening program to the greater Phoenix community. Project Health, which has historically offered screenings at CVS Pharmacy locations in select cities, will expand to the Phoenix area with a new mobile RV, which will bring these preventive screenings to communities across Phoenix, the company announced.
