CVS is a champion of people with developmental disabilities (DD), those at risk of becoming homeless, Through their Workforce Initiatives effort, CVS Health has established itself a leader in diversity and equity in employment, including their Abilities in Abundance program, focused on hiring people with disabilities. But CVS also recognizes that employment is just one part of the quality of life, as evidenced by their recent action to help fund a new, 171-unit affordable housing apartment complex in Austin, TX., dubbed Espero Austin at Rutland. CVS is investing $11.6 million into the project, which will offer affordable housing and support services to “those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, persons with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities, and youth aging out of foster care.” According to CVS, the move is part of its plan to “address racial inequity and social determinants of health in underserved communities.”

Included in this exciting new apartment complex will be a community room, fitness center, bicycle The apartment complex will include a community room, fitness center, bicycle parking, and more, as well as services provided by Caritas of Austin, which is spearheading the project with partners, The Vecino Group and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. Of the 171 units, 51 will be designated for individuals with disabilities.

Evidence-based Assistance

David Casey, senior vice president and chief diversity officer at CVS Health, had this to say about the housing project, “When people have access to high-quality, affordable housing, it puts them in a better position to take care of their health and manage chronic disease. As part of our commitment to address social justice and racial inequity, we’re addressing at the community level, which is where we can make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Dan Meyers