Boston-based UnitedHealth Group has announced a $25 million commitment to the Healthy Neighborhoods Equity Fund II (HNEF II) in support of establishing mixed-income, mixed-use real estate developments near public transit.

A private equity fund launched by Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC), HNEF II finances inclusive mixed-use developments near public transportation that offer retail, housing, and social services to support healthier communities. The fund’s investments in developments in Brockton, Dorchester, and Hamilton, Massachusetts, will help create 102 mixed-income homes—24 percent of them designated to be affordable at 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) or below, and 25 percent to be deed restricted between 80 percent and 100 percent of AMI.

“UnitedHealth Group recognizes that access to affordable housing improves community health outcomes and helps people live healthier lives,” said Andy McMahon, vice president, community engagement and investment at UnitedHealthcare Community & State, a UnitedHealth Group business. “Partnerships like this one are crucial to our work to improve overall health outcomes in the communities we serve by addressing the most basic needs of individuals first.”

“For too long, low-income communities have been excluded from investments in healthy and sustainable housing and small businesses,” said CLF director of impact investment Gina Foote. “With help from UnitedHealth Group and the Healthy Neighborhoods Equity Fund, that’s finally beginning to change. This investment will lead to more vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods across southern New England.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Andrey Sayfutdinov)