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Expanding access to health and housing stability for underserved populations

CHICAGO — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has awarded a $300,000 grant to Safer Foundation (SAFER) to expand access to stable housing and supportive services for individuals in need. This investment reflects BCBSIL’s ongoing commitment to addressing social factors that influence health, particularly housing, one of the most significant social determinants of health.

The grant will support rental assistance, housing navigation, and case management services for individuals transitioning to independent living. Participants will also receive access to wraparound resources such as employment training and behavioral health support through SAFER’S integrated programs.

For more than 50 years, SAFER has helped individuals with arrest and conviction records successfully reenter their communities by providing access to employment, education, housing, and wellness programs. Each year, SAFER serves approximately 4,200 clients through outcome-based, holistic programs that foster stability, opportunity, and long-term success.

“Housing stability is more than a roof — it’s the foundation for rebuilding lives and achieving better health outcomes,” said Mark Yates, Chief Administration Officer of Safer Foundation. “This partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois allows us to address two of the greatest barriers our clients face — secure housing and access to health and wellness services. Together, we’re creating pathways for individuals to thrive, not just survive, as they return to their families, their communities, and the workforce.”

Some of our most vulnerable populations face challenges beyond health care needs, including our Medicaid population. Housing insecurity disrupts access to care, increases stress, and contributes to inconsistent employment. By partnering with the Safer Foundation, BCBSIL is helping ensure Chicagoans in need have the stability needed to focus on their health.

“Stable housing is foundational to good health,” said Nancy Wohlhart, President of Medicaid for BCBSIL. “Our partnership with the Safer Foundation reflects our commitment to strengthening communities by investing in programs that expand access, promote recovery, and create pathways to long-term wellness.”

This initiative is part of BCBSIL’s broader effort to break down barriers to better health, addressing not only medical needs but also the social and environmental factors that influence health equity. By supporting housing and reentry services and linking arms with organizations like SAFER, BCBSIL continues their mission of creating lasting positive change in the communities it serves.

BCBSIL focuses its investments on meeting the needs of Medicaid and other community members by addressing health-related social needs, including economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and built environment, locally defined health solutions and optimal health solutions. Its community investments align with the State of Illinois’ Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver and will continue into 2026. Learn more about BCBSIL’s community impact.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nearly 9 million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Safer Foundation
Since its founding in 1972, Safer has empowered tens of thousands of individuals to rebuild their lives and realize their true potential through providing housing and other holistic supports including education, job training and placement, health services, and advocacy. With its headquarters in Chicago and locations throughout the Midwest, today the organization serves more than 4,200 people annually. For more information about Safer Foundation’s programs, please visit www.saferfoundation.org or follow Safer on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

BCBSIL
Tricia Ament
918-551-2228
media@bcbsil.com