KINGSTON, QUINCY, TAUNTON, BROCKTON, NEW BEDFORD, FALL RIVER, MA ISSUED SEPTEMBER 6, 2024…NeighborWorks® Housing Solutions (NHS; www.nhsmass.org), the leading housing service provider in southern Massachusetts, is proud to be the recipient of a $250,000 grant from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation, an award that will be disbursed over the course of the next five years. The grant will support NeighborWorks Housing Solutions’ efforts to be part of the solution in addressing medical debt.
The Atrius Health Equity Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to closing the life expectancy gap in Eastern Massachusetts. Medical debt hurts families economically and impedes access to care. One in eight Massachusetts residents has family medical debt and this burden falls disproportionately on communities of color, with 20% of Black residents and 16% of Hispanic residents reporting family medical debt.
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions has a long history of addressing health equity by integrating health programming into their housing initiatives. The agency ensures that individuals and families have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes, which is fundamental to overall health and well-being. NHS partners with healthcare providers and other community organizations to create comprehensive health programs, including food pantries, exercise classes, and community gardens. In addition, NHS actively involves residents in identifying and addressing health concerns.
“Many don’t realize that medical debt is a major contribution to housing instability for families in our region,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. “We are so grateful for this generous grant from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. Creating healthier, more equitable communities is at the core of our mission and with this grant we can expand our outreach programs, strengthen partnerships, and enhance community resources to improve the quality of life for all residents.”
NeighborWorks® Housing Solutions is the leading housing service provider in southern Massachusetts. NHS has more than 70 years of combined experience in the community development field and provides services to more than 20,000 households in over 75 cities and towns across the region. In addition to building and managing nearly 900 units of housing for veterans, homeless families and others in need, the agency offers a wide range of housing services, including foreclosure prevention counseling, home rehabilitation loans and grants, financial coaching and first-time homebuyer workshops. For more information, contact call 617-770-5217 or visit www.nhsmass.org.
