WOONSOCKET, R.I., March 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health and Fresno Housing have collaborated to build new affordable housing in Fresno, California. Through Red Stone Equity Partners, CVS Health will invest an estimated $18.4 million into the Arthur @ Blackstone, a new Fresno Housing development planning to break ground this spring. 

Twenty of the units at the Arthur @ Blackstone will be reserved for special needs tenants, specifically transition age youth considered to be chronically homeless, homeless, or at-risk of becoming chronically homeless. This includes youth who are aging out of the foster care system, transitioning from institutions, and youth with a history of involvement in the justice system. The remaining units will target low-income families.

In addition, residents will benefit from comprehensive case management and full wrap around supportive services coordinated by the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health and various contracted service providers.

The Arthur @ Blackstone is part of CVS Health's commitment to addressing housing insecurities in the Fresno community and is one of three housing investments CVS Health has made with Fresno Housing over the past three years. Through investment funds sponsored by Red Stone Equity Partners, in 2019, CVS Health made a $4.6 million investment in Villages at Paragon and in 2020, announced it was investing $2.1 million in the Villages at Broadway.

"To make a meaningful impact, we need to address social determinants of health at the local level and be intentional with our approach," said Jeff Hermosillo, California Market President, Aetna, a CVS Health company. "We're committed to investing in the Fresno community and meeting the needs of individuals and families by providing them with resources that enable equal opportunity for achieving good health." 

This investment will continue to deepen the successful collaboration between Fresno Housing and CVS Heath to reduce health disparities and advance health equity through quality, affordable housing. The Arthur @ Blackstone will consist of 41 housing units near Manchester Center in Fresno and will include a space where supportive services will be provided that aim to improve health outcomes for the residents.

"We know that when families have access to affordable housing, they are better able to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. That's why our partnership with CVS Health is exciting and innovative for the families we serve in our community. We are honored to be selected by CVS Health again to further our mission to provide affordable, healthy housing throughout Fresno County," said Tyrone Roderick Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Fresno Housing.

Fresno Housing has been integrating the worlds of health and housing for the past 20 years by providing affordable housing and supportive services for over 4,000 families in Fresno County.

Through CVS Health's new Health Zones initiative, Fresno Housing and other local partners, including Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Clinica Sierra Vista, and the Central California Food Bank, are helping to improve health outcomes and build healthier communities in Fresno by addressing social determinants of health, including housing, education, access to food, labor, transportation, and health care access.

As part of CVS Health's overall commitment to advance health equity in America, it invested $185 million in affordable housing nationwide in 2021 and $1.3 billion over the past 20 years, including $37.2 million in affordable housing in Fresno. Through these investments, CVS Health has been able to provide underserved communities with quality housing based on the unique needs of the population.

CVS Health is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and approximately 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that's managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications, or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Learn more at www.cvshealth.com.

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SOURCE CVS Health