Dignity Health, one of the nation’s largest health systems—with 39 hospitals and over 400 care centers—joined community leaders in San Bernardino to celebrate the success of the first two phases of the Arrowhead Grove Neighborhood Revitalization project and funding for the third phase.

The Arrowhead Grove Neighborhood Revitalization project addresses the long-standing need for affordable housing in San Bernardino, encourages job creation and economic development throughout the community, and establishes a safe environment for children and families. Dignity Health provided a $1.2 million bridge loan to help move the long-anticipated development forward.

“We are proud to be part of the transformation taking place in this community,” said Douglas Kleam, president, St. Bernardine Medical Center. “As a large employer and anchor in the community, we are working to bring stability to San Bernardino neighborhoods. We are grateful for collaborations like Arrowhead Grove, which share our common vision to strengthen neighborhoods that are struggling.”

Upon completion, the neighborhood revitalization project will include approximately 400 units of affordable and market-rate housing, community amenities, upgraded infrastructure and an educational village space designed to foster integrated learning for children in the community.

“Community housing and the health of the people we serve are inseparable issues,” said June Collison, president, Community Hospital of San Bernardino. “People who live in homes they can afford are better able to support their families with healthy food and important preventive health services. In turn, this brings down the cost of care overall by reducing acute care and emergency room admissions.”

Phase one of the project has been recognized by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition for its demonstrated positive impact on the community. As traditional funding sources have become more scarce, this project represents a public-private partnership that is redefining how the state, cities, developers, and health institutions together can create affordable and workforce housing.