Building health through housing: Fairview invests $1 million in Habitat for Humanity

At Fairview, we know health starts long before someone walks into a clinic, hospital, or emergency department. Access to stable, affordable housing is one of the significant factors influencing a person's health and wellbeing. That's why Fairview has invested $1 million in Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to help expand affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the Twin Cities.

This investment reflects Fairview's role as an anchor institution and our commitment to improving community health by addressing the social determinants of health. Research shows a strong connection between homeownership and better health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homeowners experience lower rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, stroke, and kidney disease. Stable housing is also associated with increased use of preventive care and reduced reliance on emergency services.

"Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable home," said James Hereford, Fairview Chief Executive Officer. "This investment reflects our continued commitment to strengthening communities by addressing the factors that shape health beyond clinical care. By providing affordable capital to Twin Cities Habitat for housing development, we're helping create lasting opportunities for Minnesota families to thrive."

Fairview's investment will support Habitat's pre-development activities, including site acquisition, planning, architectural design, site preparation, and other early-stage work required before construction financing becomes available.

While these activities are critical to creating affordable housing, they can be difficult to fund through traditional financing sources. By providing affordable capital for this work, Fairview is helping Habitat move projects forward more quickly and create additional homeownership opportunities for local families.

"This program-related investment will provide critical predevelopment funds-often the most challenging to secure-to allow Twin Cities Habitat to innovate and scale our work including at our largest-ever development, The Heights," said Chris Coleman, President & CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. "We are grateful for Fairview's leadership and partnership in helping more families in our communities access homes they can afford, and the opportunity to build healthy, secure futures."

The investment is part of Fairview's broader commitment as an anchor institution to place-based investing, which directs financial resources toward local initiatives that strengthen communities while supporting the organization's mission. Through this initiative, Fairview is making the strategic decision to invest locally in solutions that address the underlying factors that shape health and wellbeing.

More than a house, a place to call home

For families, the impact is personal and lasting. Affordable homeownership can provide stability, financial security, and a stronger foundation for health. It can also create opportunities to build wealth over time and help families put down roots in their communities.

"I've learned that every great adventure starts at home," said James, Twin Cities Habitat homeowner. "My home has changed my life. It's changed my family's life. Our home has become a place to share stories and build bonds that last a lifetime. It's a place to relax and recharge. It's my foundation to build generational wealth, and it's our base camp where we get ready to head out into the world, whether it's to school, work, or any other adventure life has in store."

A Wilder Research study of 400 Habitat homeowners found that 92% of survey participants said their lives improved after purchasing a Habitat home, 80% felt safer, and nearly 60% of households affected by asthma or respiratory illness reported health improvements. Habitat homeownership also benefits communities, generating an estimated $1.86 in economic activity for every $1 invested while increasing property values and strengthening the local tax base.

Building on a long-standing partnership

This work builds on a long-standing partnership between Fairview and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

Each year, Fairview employees volunteer during Habitat build weeks, helping construct affordable homes for Minnesota families.

During Fairview's build weeks this September, employees, including CEO James Hereford and executive leaders, are contributing their time and talents to help complete a home in The Heights development on St. Paul's East Side as well as a home in Maplewood.

The volunteer effort reflects Fairview's belief that housing is health and demonstrates the organization's commitment to strengthening communities through both service and investment, allowing more Minnesota families to achieve affordable homeownership.