Peach State Health Plan and Centene Foundation Invest in Atlanta Housing Development
Peach State Health Plan, a care management organization serving residents across Georgia, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, have announced their partnership with Atlanta Housing (AH) and the City of Atlanta to break ground on the redevelopment of the Bowen Homes community. This project in Atlanta, Georgia, aims to address health disparities and promote community health, with the goal of creating a sustainable and supportive living environment for local residents.
The Centene Foundation’s contribution is the first state-level deployment of its partnership with McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS), a national leader in affordable housing development, as announced in 2024. The funding will be used for below-market-rate loans that will support predevelopment design, planning, and community engagement efforts. These investments are crucial to unlocking additional financing, which will expedite the redevelopment process.
Clyde A. White, President of Peach State Health Plan, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing the broader determinants of health. “Peach State Health Plan is committed to addressing drivers of health – and that starts with ensuring all Georgians have access to both quality housing and healthcare,” White said. “Through our continued investment in Bowen Homes, we are creating real opportunities for families to thrive in a neighborhood designed with health, empowerment, and resilience at its core.”
The redevelopment project will be community-centric, with plans to build more than 750 residential units, offering a mix of affordable housing options. Additionally, the development will include various recreational amenities such as outdoor plazas, seating areas, walking trails, and more, located along the Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and James Jackson Parkway corridors in the Carey Park neighborhood.
Keith Williamson, President of the Centene Foundation, highlighted the project’s broader impact on public health. “By combining affordable housing, nutrition education, and behavioral and physical health resources, we can actively improve the quality of life for Georgians,” Williamson stated. “Centene Foundation’s partnership with MBS allows us to address healthcare challenges head-on – increasing healthcare access, closing long-term health disparities, and improving health outcomes.”
This investment by Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Foundation is part of a broader initiative to create lasting positive change in local communities. The partners aim to support the Bowen Homes redevelopment by actively engaging with residents, providing access to essential healthcare and social services, and addressing a variety of community needs. These include nutrition education, maternal care, behavioral health support, and other resources crucial for improving the overall well-being of the residents.
The redevelopment of Bowen Homes is part of a wider strategy to improve public health by addressing social determinants, including access to affordable housing and healthcare. The initiative focuses on creating a resilient community where residents can access essential services that directly contribute to their health, education, and long-term stability.
Peach State Health Plan has a long-standing commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for underserved populations in Georgia. In addition to its Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® programs, the organization provides health insurance solutions through the federal insurance marketplace plan, Ambetter, and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans. As a Centene company, Peach State Health Plan aligns its efforts with Centene’s broader mission of helping people live healthier lives.
The Centene Foundation plays a vital role in advancing Centene’s philanthropic initiatives. As a private nonprofit, the Foundation focuses on investing in economically challenged communities and works to remove barriers to wellness faced by underserved populations. Its commitment to improving health equity is reflected in its strategic focus on healthcare access, social services, and education. Through its partnership with Peach State Health Plan and the Bowen Homes redevelopment project, the Centene Foundation is directly contributing to efforts that will have a lasting positive impact on residents’ health and well-being.
The ongoing efforts by Peach State Health Plan, Centene Foundation, and their partners in the Bowen Homes redevelopment aim to address systemic health disparities and ensure that all members of the community have access to the resources necessary for a healthier and more prosperous future.
In conclusion, the partnership between Peach State Health Plan, Centene Foundation, McCormack Baron Salazar, and the City of Atlanta represents a significant investment in both affordable housing and community health. The redevelopment of Bowen Homes will provide new opportunities for residents, offering not only quality housing but also access to the vital services and resources that support long-term well-being. This project highlights the importance of addressing the social drivers of health in creating equitable, thriving communities.
