#United States #Atlanta #Centene Foundation #Bowen Homes #Peach State Health

Groundbreaking for Housing Development in Atlanta

On March 5, 2025, a key event marked the future of the Bowen Homes community in Atlanta. Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Foundation, in collaboration with Atlanta Housing and the City of Atlanta, celebrated the groundbreaking of a transformative housing project aimed at tackling health inequities and providing essential resources to residents.

Peach State Health Plan, a firm dedicated to managing care for Georgia residents, along with the philanthropic Centene Foundation, is investing in the redevelopment of this crucial community through its partnership with McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS). This redevelopment is a significant step in revitalizing the area with a vision focused on public health, providing essential housing, healthcare access, and social services.

The Vision Behind the Project

The redevelopment plan will introduce more than 750 affordable residential units equipped with recreational amenities such as walking trails, outdoor plazas, and comfortable seating areas strategically placed along the Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and James Jackson Parkway corridors. This initiative aims not only to create a healthier living environment but also to encourage a sense of community among the residents.

Clyde A. White, President of Peach State Health Plan, emphasized the organization's commitment stating, "We are dedicated to addressing health determinants, ensuring that every Georgian has access to quality housing and healthcare. Our investment at Bowen Homes is about making real opportunities available for families to thrive, focusing on health, empowerment, and resilience."

The funding from the Centene Foundation marks the first instance of state-level deployment in partnership with MBS, which will support predevelopment activities, engage the local community, and facilitate funding acquisition to expedite the project’s development. Keith Williamson, President of the Centene Foundation, highlighted the goal of combining affordable housing with nutrition education and accessible health resources to improve overall quality of life for residents.

Community Engagement and Long-term Impact

The commitment of the Centene Foundation and Peach State Health Plan to the Bowen Homes project aligns with their broader mission to foster positive community impact. The initiative aims to actively work with community members to create tailored approaches that connect residents with essential healthcare and social services. Furthermore, this project will also address critical needs such as educational opportunities for nutrition and behavioral health, as well as maternal care.

The collaboration aims to close long-standing healthcare gaps and improve health outcomes by directly confronting the challenges faced by lower-income and underserved populations. Such efforts indicate a shift towards a holistic approach to community well-being, ensuring that residents have access to necessary support and remain connected to vital resources.

In summary, the redevelopment of Bowen Homes in Atlanta represents a forward-thinking approach to housing and health disparities. Through this collaborative effort, Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Foundation exemplify a commitment to fostering thriving communities, ultimately setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.