Home is where health, stability, and belonging start. This idea is at the heart of Intermountain Health’s Place Based Investing (PBI) program. By offering low-cost loans and flexible financing, we aim to boost community projects that enhance where people live and work.
Since 2019, Intermountain has dedicated over $148 million to PBI. This funding has helped create or preserve 2,845 affordable housing units and improved the financial wellness of more than 1,167 individuals.
The Link Between Housing and Health
Housing instability is a major hurdle for good health. Families without stable homes often struggle with other basic needs, such as:
- Nutrition
- Transportation
- Education
- Medical care
PBI partners with local organizations, lenders, and nonprofits to find lasting solutions that make a real difference in health outcomes and open doors to new opportunities.
Diverse Projects, Unified Goal
Each PBI project varies by location, but they all aim for one common goal: to help people lead healthier, more stable lives.
Utah: An abandoned office building has transformed into a home for 96 families, thanks to a $5 million investment from the Perpetual Housing Fund. This project, called Arbor 515, offers not just safe housing but also returns 75% of profits to tenants, promoting wealth-building and stability.
Nevada: Investments through New West Community Capital brought 239 new affordable housing units to Henderson. They also supported SafeNest’s new domestic violence shelter, offering essential services to those in need.
Montana: A $1.5 million loan to a local nonprofit helps Native American families buy homes, addressing the urgent need for stability given that Native Americans in this region experience homelessness at three times the state average.
Nicholas Fritz, director of Place Based Investments, emphasizes that “when people have a safe, stable place to live, every aspect of their health—physical, mental, and financial—begins to improve.”
Community Support and Future Steps
Intermountain focuses on reinvesting in the communities that strengthen us. PBI reflects this commitment, and we’re thankful for the collaborative spirit of community organizations and financial partners. Their efforts turn investment into tangible impact, proving that health truly begins at home.
Moreover, recent studies show that stable housing significantly lowers the risk of health issues. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that stable housing can reduce hospital admissions by 50%, highlighting the deep connection between where we live and our overall health.
As we move forward, the need for effective, community-driven investments in housing is clear. By working together, we can create healthier environments for all.
