Carolina Complete Health, Centene Foundation Launch Affordable Housing Project in Northeast Winston-Salem
Carolina Complete Health, in collaboration with the Centene Foundation, has taken a significant step toward improving community well-being in North Carolina through a major affordable housing initiative in Northeast Winston-Salem. With a $2 million investment, the organizations have launched the next phases of the Winston-Salem Choice Neighborhood Initiative, a comprehensive redevelopment effort designed to replace aging housing, strengthen community resources, and improve overall quality of life for residents.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of Phases 2 and 3 of the initiative, a milestone achieved through close collaboration between Carolina Complete Health, the Centene Foundation, ASPIRE, the City of Winston-Salem, and development partner McCormack Baron Salazar. Together, these stakeholders are working to transform the Cleveland Avenue Homes area into a thriving, mixed-income community that integrates housing with access to essential services.
At the core of the project is the redevelopment of 244 outdated housing units. These units will be replaced with modern, mixed-income housing designed to better meet the needs of residents while fostering a more inclusive and sustainable neighborhood. The redevelopment is not just about constructing new buildings—it represents a broader commitment to revitalizing the entire community by addressing both physical infrastructure and the social factors that influence health and well-being.
Carolina Complete Health and the Centene Foundation’s financial commitment builds on a partnership established in 2024. The funding supports below-market-rate loans that help accelerate early-stage activities such as planning, design, and community engagement. By providing these resources upfront, the partnership ensures that the development process moves forward efficiently while incorporating the voices and needs of local residents.
A distinguishing feature of this initiative is its strong focus on the social drivers of health. Carolina Complete Health, as a Medicaid managed care provider, brings valuable expertise in identifying and addressing barriers that affect health outcomes. The organization recognizes that access to safe, stable housing is a critical determinant of health, alongside factors such as nutrition, employment, and access to healthcare services.
Through this project, residents will benefit from integrated support systems that extend beyond housing. Plans include connecting community members to healthcare services, ensuring they have access to preventive care and treatment when needed. In addition, the initiative will provide resources aimed at improving economic stability and quality of life. These include workforce development programs that help residents build skills and secure employment, as well as pathways to stable careers.
Access to healthy food is another important component of the redevelopment effort. The initiative aims to improve food security by connecting residents with nutritious food options and offering education on healthy eating. Family-focused services and community programming will also play a key role, creating opportunities for engagement, learning, and support among residents of all ages.
Leadership from Carolina Complete Health emphasized that the investment reflects a broader mission to improve health outcomes by addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms. By ensuring access to both quality housing and healthcare, the organization aims to create an environment where families can thrive over the long term. This approach underscores the growing recognition within the healthcare sector that community conditions directly impact individual health.
McCormack Baron Salazar, a national leader in mixed-income housing development, brings extensive experience in community revitalization to the project. The organization places a strong emphasis on partnerships, recognizing that sustainable change requires collaboration across sectors. By working closely with healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations, the developer aims to create neighborhoods that are not only physically improved but also socially and economically vibrant.
The City of Winston-Salem and ASPIRE have also played critical roles in advancing the initiative. Their involvement ensures that the redevelopment aligns with broader city planning goals and addresses local priorities. The Choice Neighborhood Initiative itself is designed to transform distressed neighborhoods into areas of opportunity, and this latest phase represents meaningful progress toward that vision.
For residents of Northeast Winston-Salem, the project promises tangible improvements in daily life. New housing will provide safer and more comfortable living conditions, while access to services and programs will support personal and family growth. By combining physical redevelopment with social investment, the initiative seeks to create a lasting impact that extends well beyond the construction phase.
Carolina Complete Health currently serves more than 775,000 Medicaid members across North Carolina, offering access to a wide network of healthcare providers. The organization has consistently focused on community-based solutions that address social drivers of health, including housing, food insecurity, transportation, and employment opportunities. This project reflects that ongoing commitment and demonstrates how healthcare organizations can play a pivotal role in community development.
The Centene Foundation, as the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, supports initiatives that promote health equity and improve community outcomes. Its involvement in the Winston-Salem project highlights the importance of strategic philanthropy in addressing complex social challenges. By funding efforts that integrate housing with health and economic support, the foundation contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities.
As construction moves forward on Phases 2 and 3, stakeholders remain focused on maintaining community engagement and ensuring that the redevelopment meets the needs of current and future residents. The emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and holistic support sets a strong foundation for success.
Ultimately, the Northeast Winston-Salem Choice Neighborhood Initiative represents more than a housing project—it is a comprehensive effort to reshape a community in ways that promote health, stability, and opportunity. Through strategic investment and partnership, Carolina Complete Health, the Centene Foundation, and their collaborators are helping to create a model for how integrated approaches can drive meaningful, long-term change in communities across the country.
About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness that underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.
About McCormack Baron Salazar
McCormack Baron Salazar is one of the nation’s leading developers, property managers, and asset managers of economically integrated urban neighborhoods. Since 1973, the firm has been an innovator of community development and urban revitalization in 48 cities, having built more than 25,000 high-quality homes with total development costs of over $5 billion.
