Health Net Invests $4 Million to Expand Affordable Housing Access for Modesto Residents
Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing remains one of the most important factors influencing overall health and quality of life. Recognizing the close connection between housing and health, Health Net, one of California’s most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, has announced a $4 million grant to Self-Help Enterprises. The investment will support the development of Morris Village, a new affordable housing community in Modesto, California, aimed at providing homes and long-term stability for residents facing housing insecurity and health challenges.
The funding represents another step in Health Net’s broader strategy of addressing the social determinants of health—factors such as housing, food access, and economic stability that significantly influence physical and mental well-being. Through the Morris Village project, Health Net and Self-Help Enterprises hope to create not only affordable homes but also healthier communities and stronger futures for residents across Stanislaus County.
A New Affordable Housing Community for Modesto
Morris Village is planned as a 45-unit affordable housing development in Modesto, California. The project is designed to provide quality housing opportunities for individuals and families earning below the median income for the region. With housing costs continuing to rise throughout California, many residents face significant barriers to securing stable homes, creating challenges that extend beyond finances and into health outcomes.
Health Net’s $4 million contribution will help close the remaining financing gap required for the project, allowing construction activities to move forward. By providing critical funding support, the organization is helping ensure that the development can proceed according to schedule and eventually welcome residents who need affordable housing options.
The development aims to create more than just physical structures. Morris Village is intended to serve as a community that promotes security, stability, and access to resources that support long-term well-being.
Addressing the Connection Between Housing and Health
Health experts increasingly recognize that housing is a major determinant of health. Individuals experiencing unstable housing situations often struggle to manage chronic diseases, maintain regular medical appointments, and access preventive healthcare services. Stress caused by housing insecurity can also contribute to worsening mental health conditions and increased risks of illness.
Dorothy Seleski, President of Medi-Cal at Health Net, emphasized that stable housing can significantly improve the lives of people dealing with serious health conditions.
According to Seleski, the organization’s investment in Morris Village reflects Health Net’s ongoing commitment to addressing the root causes that contribute to poor health outcomes. She noted that when individuals have reliable housing, they are better positioned to manage medical conditions, maintain continuity of care, and build a more secure future for themselves and their families.
Health Net views housing as an essential component of overall healthcare and believes investments such as Morris Village can create meaningful improvements in community health.
Closing the Funding Gap
Affordable housing projects often face challenges related to financing, and many developments require support from multiple partners to move from planning to construction. The $4 million grant from Health Net provides the final funding necessary to help Self-Help Enterprises proceed with the project.
The housing community will consist primarily of affordable residences intended for lower-income households. By helping bridge the remaining financial gap, Health Net is accelerating efforts to bring new housing inventory to a region where affordable options remain limited.
Construction is expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2026, with completion projected for the spring of 2028. Once finished, Morris Village will provide dozens of families with safe and affordable homes while contributing to the broader revitalization and resilience of the Modesto community.
Community Leaders Welcome the Investment
The project has received strong support from local leaders who view affordable housing as one of the most pressing challenges facing Stanislaus County.
Stanislaus County Supervisor Mani Grewal praised the collaboration between Health Net and Self-Help Enterprises, highlighting the urgent need for investments that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.
According to Grewal, Morris Village represents the type of development that communities need to address growing housing shortages. He noted that the combined efforts of Health Net and Self-Help Enterprises will help residents achieve healthier lives, create stronger communities, and foster greater resilience throughout the county.
Local officials see the project as an opportunity to provide more families with access to secure housing while also supporting long-term economic and social stability.
Self-Help Enterprises Leading Development Efforts
Self-Help Enterprises, a nonprofit organization with decades of experience in affordable housing and community development, will oversee the construction and implementation of Morris Village.
Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, described the project as much more than a housing development. He emphasized that affordable homes create opportunities for better health, increased stability, and improved economic prospects.
Collishaw noted that research consistently shows that families living in secure housing experience better physical and mental health outcomes. He credited Health Net’s financial support as a key factor in making Morris Village possible and expressed optimism about bringing much-needed housing to Stanislaus County.
Self-Help Enterprises has built a reputation for creating housing solutions that support families and strengthen communities across California. Through Morris Village, the organization aims to continue that mission by providing residents with a foundation for lasting success.
Expanding Access to Support Services
Beyond providing housing, Self-Help Enterprises plans to collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and social service agencies to ensure future residents receive the support they need after moving into Morris Village.
The organization intends to explore partnerships with local service providers to connect residents with healthcare resources, wellness programs, and other supportive services that can help them thrive over the long term.
These partnerships are expected to enhance residents’ access to medical care, behavioral health resources, and community-based assistance programs. By integrating housing with support services, Morris Village seeks to create a more holistic environment where residents can achieve greater stability and improved health outcomes.
Housing as a Critical Component of Healthcare
Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen, a registered nurse, underscored the relationship between housing and overall health. Drawing from her healthcare experience, she described housing as a fundamental component of care and emphasized the importance of affordable housing opportunities in promoting well-being.
Zwahlen expressed appreciation for Health Net’s investment and recognized Self-Help Enterprises for its leadership in bringing the project to life. She noted that expanding access to affordable housing helps families thrive and contributes positively to the broader community.
Her comments reflect a growing consensus among healthcare professionals and policymakers that social and environmental factors must be addressed alongside traditional medical care to improve population health.
Health Net’s Ongoing Commitment to Housing Solutions
The Morris Village initiative represents the latest chapter in Health Net’s broader efforts to combat housing insecurity throughout California.
Since 2020, the company has committed approximately $93 million toward housing and homelessness initiatives across the state. These investments are aimed at promoting long-term stability, reducing disparities, and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Health Net’s housing strategy recognizes that access to affordable homes can reduce emergency room visits, improve management of chronic diseases, and help individuals maintain stronger connections with healthcare providers. By addressing the underlying factors that affect health, the organization hopes to create lasting benefits for communities throughout California.
The company’s investments have supported various initiatives focused on homelessness prevention, affordable housing development, and services designed to assist individuals and families experiencing instability.
Building Healthier Communities Through Housing
As California continues to grapple with housing affordability challenges, collaborations between healthcare organizations, nonprofit developers, and local governments are becoming increasingly important. Projects like Morris Village demonstrate how investments beyond traditional healthcare settings can contribute to healthier populations and stronger communities.
By combining affordable housing with access to support services and community resources, Morris Village aims to create an environment where residents can build stable lives and improve their overall well-being.
With construction expected to begin in late 2026 and completion anticipated in 2028, the development promises to provide much-needed housing opportunities for Modesto residents while reinforcing the idea that health extends far beyond hospitals and clinics. Through its $4 million investment, Health Net is helping lay the foundation for a future where stable housing and better health go hand in hand.
Source link: https://investors.centene.com/
