East Chicago hospital signs onto EAH to support community redevelopment
In partnership with the City of East Chicago, St. Catherine Hospital is launching an innovative benefit that will help its employees buy homes in the community. Through employer-assisted housing (EAH), the hospital is providing downpayment assistance to employees purchasing homes in East Chicago’s new North Harbor neighborhood. In addition to St. Catherine employees, Community Healthcare System employees are also eligible for the downpayment assistance.
The North Harbor Revitalization Initiative is a comprehensive, multi-phase strategy to revitalize a historic community and connect it to the Lake Michigan lakefront.The Community Builders and Hispanic Housing Development Corporation are developing new rental and homeownership opportunities, and Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northwest Indiana will provide counseling and homebuyer education and assist St. Catherine and Community Healthcare System employees prepare for homeownership. MPC helped introduce the EAH model and design the program.
“St. Catherine’s employees serve the community of East Chicago, so it’s appropriate for the hospital to recognize their commitment by helping them live in the heart of this community,” said JoAnn Birdzell, St. Catherine Hospital CEO.
A recent article in the Northwest Indiana Times highlighted on-going efforts in northwest Indiana and lauded St. Catherine's EAH commitment and support of the EAst Chicago's revitalization initiatives.