A Healthcare Giant Enters the Battle for Cheaper Housing

Following the common refrain among public health leaders, "healthcare is housing," the Mayors & CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment coalition and the National League of Cities are pushing the federal government to answer the affordable housing crisis in our country. Companies that see the benefits in combining housing and healthcare are joining the cause; notably, Kaiser Permanente, a healthcare provider and member of the coalition, has pledged to invest $200 million toward fighting homelessness and building more low-cost housing in eight states and Washington, D.C.

"Having a roof over your head is essential," said Senior Policy Advisor Eve O’Toole, who is the campaign manager for Mayors & CEOs. "But for the most part, this has been a metro-page issue. We want to ensure that this is on the front page and foremost on people’s minds."

"In terms of the policy initiatives we’re putting forward, cities know that it works," Ms. O'Toole added. "They have proven initiatives and programs on the local level. Hence we’re calling for a federal partnership on this, and national attention."

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