The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), presented a $75,000 grant to the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity (“RAHFH”) in support of its Healthy Homes for a Healthier Rockford initiative that helps families achieve safe and stable housing.
Access to safe and stable housing is closely tied to improved health outcomes, with research showing poor housing conditions contribute to increased rates of chronic illness, asthma, stress, and anxiety. Yet in Rockford, where 30% of residents earn below 80% of the area median income, homeownership remains out of reach for many.
“Through our partnership with MolinaCares, we’re addressing one of the most urgent and overlooked drivers of community health,” said Keri Asevedo, executive director at Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. “Together, we are working to help more families realize the dream of owning a home and improving existing homes to support the long-term health of Rockford residents.”
The Healthy Homes for a Healthier Rockford Initiative will address the full spectrum of needs that families face when navigating housing. The MolinaCares grant will support all three aspects of the program, including the cost of down payment and closing, homebuyer education, and air quality testing.
“Access to stable housing is foundational to well-being, strengthening health outcomes and reducing chronic conditions,” said Kris Classen, plan president at Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “This partnership creates opportunity and stability for our neighbors in Rockford by breaking down barriers to homeownership.”
This latest investment is part of the over $5 million Molina and MolinaCares has contributed over the last two years to community organizations that play a vital role in improving health outcomes in Illinois.
About The MolinaCares Accord
The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.
About Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Illinois. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Illinois, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity
For more than three decades, Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity (RAHFH) has been a trusted leader in addressing the affordable housing crisis in northern Illinois. Since its founding, RAHFH has helped hundreds of local families achieve safe, stable, and affordable homeownership through a unique partnership model that combines volunteer labor, donor support, and no-interest mortgages. Our work extends beyond construction. We provide comprehensive homebuyer education, critical home repairs, and accessibility modifications that help families maintain healthy living environments. By eliminating systemic financial barriers such as high down payments and predatory lending, we empower low-income households to build generational wealth, stability, and self-reliance.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260805719016/en/
Media gallery
