2 Food initiative’s goal is ‘systems change’ 3 Executive changes 7

Mercy Housing head looks to expand partnerships between church’s health and housing ministries

By JULIE MINDA

Since the Sisters of Mercy founded Mercy Housing in 1981, the nonprofit, affordable housing ministry has partnered with Catholic health systems and facilities. Given that the housing and health care organizations commonly share sponsorship, leadership, purpose, vision and values, alignment has come naturally.

As the nation’s largest affordable housing provider with nearly $4.9 billion invested in affordable real estate development, Mercy Housing is expanding its strategies to achieve greater impact in improving people’s lives. Both through direct real estate development and investments through Mercy Community Capital, its affiliated community development financial institution, Mercy Housing is improving affordable housing in 41 states. For the past four decades, Mercy Housing has been balancing growth with service delivery, allowing people to live in safe homes with dignity.

Ismael Guerrero joined Mercy Housing in 2020 as president and chief executive. He spoke to Catholic Health World about the close alignment between the Catholic Church’s housing and health care ministries and how those ministries can and should expand their partnership. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why are Mercy Housing and Catholic health care working together?

Bringing housing and health care closer

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