Michigan hospitals know that caring for communities means going beyond clinical care to address factors that influence a person’s everyday physical, mental and long-term well-being.
The Extraordinary Neighbors Program at Covenant HealthCare is a community development initiative focused on improving housing conditions in neighborhoods surrounding its Saginaw campus. The program addresses housing insecurity as a key social determinant of health in an area where many homes are more than 100 years old and residents often face high housing cost burdens.
“Covenant is working hard to make our community better,” said Beth Charlton, President, CEO, Covenant HealthCare. “We know that the health of a community does not rest on medical care alone, it’s about the whole person having their basic needs met, and housing is foundational to all other needs and outcomes. That’s why we’ve committed $2,500,000 over five years into neighborhood revitalization and are working with our partners on this mission.”
In partnership with Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity, Saginaw County, City of Saginaw, and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Covenant teams have supported the construction of new homes and renovation of existing properties to help stabilize neighborhoods impacted by long-term disinvestment.
The team received a 2026 Ludwig Community Benefit Award for this work, presented annually to MHA members working collaboratively to improve the health and well-being of Michigan residents.
One component of Extraordinary Neighbors is Walk to Work, a program designed to make homeownership more attainable for Covenant employees. The program provides eligible staff with up to $30,000 in financial assistance toward purchasing or renovating a home within walking distance of the main Covenant HealthCare campus in Saginaw.
Yamia Scott, a resource nursing care assistant, and Erica Enciso, a patient accounting team member, recently moved into newly constructed homes just steps from where they work and serve patients and families each day.
Before becoming a homeowner in the neighborhood, Yamia spent time volunteering at the Neighborhood Revitalization Project. The experience offered a glimpse into a neighborhood she would soon call home.
Yamia Scott, a resource nursing assistant at Covenant HealthCare, touring her new home.
“It’s definitely a sense of accomplishment — something I didn’t think would be possible for me. I’m overjoyed,” said Yamia. “I’m excited to be able to walk to work and save on gas.”
For Erica Enciso, the transition to homeownership is just as meaningful, shaped by what it creates for her family. Moving out of a rental and into a home of her own has brought a new sense of stability and possibility for the future.
“I’m looking forward to building a garden, and it’ll be mine,” said Erica. “I can decorate. I can paint. It’s something that me and my children can call our own. On the days I work in the office, I can walk to work — it’s not that far.”
These stories reflect more than new addresses; they represent Covenant HealthCare’s investment in local neighborhoods, connection to community and a commitment to supporting the teams who help provide extraordinary care every day.
“Covenant HealthCare provides extraordinary care to every generation, but we’re not developers or home builders,” said Dylan Hellus, Covenant HealthCare Neighborhood Engagement Specialist. “That’s why partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity are so important. Together, we’re able to invest in housing, strengthen neighborhoods and create lasting community impact.”
To learn about other stories of innovation advancing care across Michigan, visit www.mihospitals.org. To read more positive hospital stories, check out more Hospitals Help webpage. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628
