“We believe that safe, stable housing is the foundation of good health,” said Gena Bravo, president and CEO of Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital. Photo courtesy of Dignity Health

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - Dignity Health, through CommonSpirit Health’s Homeless Health Initiative (HHI), recently announced a significant investment of $375,000 into two vital housing projects in Yolo County. This commitment aims to foster long-term housing stability and improve access to crucial, coordinated care for vulnerable populations across the region.

This latest investment builds upon Dignity Health's extensive and long-standing dedication to addressing housing insecurity in Yolo and Sacramento counties. To date, the organization has contributed more than $3 million in the region, supporting projects like 102 & Beamer and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the community's well-being.

“We believe that safe, stable housing is the foundation of good health,” said Gena Bravo, president and CEO of Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital. “Through our Homeless Health Initiative, we are strategically investing in projects that not only provide shelter but also integrate the critical health and social support services individuals need to thrive. These Yolo County projects exemplify our collaborative approach to creating healthier, more resilient communities, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The new investment includes $125,000 to Freeman Garden Court/Woodland Opportunity Village. This permanent housing development, located on Freeman Street in Woodland, will feature 12 one-bedroom units across six duplex buildings. It is specifically designed to serve very low-income individuals, including people experiencing homelessness. This crucial contribution helped the project reach its funding goal, allowing it to move forward and provide much-needed specialized housing.

“Dignity Health's investment provided the critical support needed to bring Freeman Garden Court fully to life,” said Kathy Trott, board president of Woodland Opportunity Village. “This funding means we can finally provide truly permanent homes, tailored with the right supports, for individuals who have been navigating substandard housing and homelessness. It’s more than just housing; it’s a pathway to independence and dignity.”

Additionally, $250,000 has been committed to the Choice Neighborhoods & Tupelo Project. Situated on Lemen Avenue, this project is part of a broader effort to expand affordable housing, community support, and revitalization to this neighborhood. It will deliver 73 total units, comprising 72 income-restricted units and one manager unit. The development includes a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom units, alongside integrated community space and essential supportive infrastructure.

“The generous support from Dignity Health is instrumental in accelerating the Choice Neighborhoods and Tupelo Project specifically,” said Ian Evans, executive director of Yolo County Housing and president/CEO of New Hope Community Development Corporation. “This quarter-million-dollar investment significantly boosts our ability to provide 73 new affordable homes, complete with the indoor and outdoor community service spaces and infrastructure that truly build a thriving neighborhood. It’s a powerful partnership that will create lasting positive change for families in Woodland.”

These strategic investments were made in close collaboration with the local leadership team at Woodland Memorial Hospital, underscoring a coordinated effort between CommonSpirit Health and its local hospital teams to address the most pressing community needs. According to the 2024 Yolo County Point-in-Time Count, over 900 individuals are experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, Yolo County continues to face a critical shortage of affordable housing, with a particular lack of developments in Woodland specifically designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with integrated services.

CommonSpirit Health’s HHI is designed to integrate healthcare with housing by supporting projects that co-locate or coordinate medical care, behavioral health and social services for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. From fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2026, HHI has invested nearly $36 million across Dignity Health's California care sites, partnering with over 60 community-based organizations to address housing and homelessness. This impactful work is now expanding across the entire CommonSpirit Health system, further demonstrating their commitment to healthier communities.