SIHF Healthcare Breaks Ground on Phase 2 of Vivian’s Village in Cahokia Heights, Advancing Its Vision for Healthier Communities

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - SIHF Healthcare, in partnership with Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) and St. Clair County Housing Development, broke ground today on Phase 2 of Vivian’s Village. Vivian’s Village is a supportive and affordable housing development that redefines community health through stable housing, access to care, and supportive services.

This second phase of Vivian’s Village advances SIHF Healthcare’s mission and vision of fostering economic development and developing safe, affordable, and supportive housing, while improving health outcomes for the region.

“Vivian’s Village represents the integration of housing and health care to truly bring greater improvements in community health and wellness,” said Larry McCulley, CEO of SIHF Healthcare. “By combining access to quality housing with onsite health, we are advancing the residents’ capacity to build a stronger and healthier community.”

“There’s no question about it- we’re living in difficult times right now,” said Richard Gonzalez, President of MHDC. “Homelessness is at an all-time high, and so is the cost of housing. But Vivian’s Village Phase 2 offers a ray of hope. These affordable units, and the resources that come with them, will bring both opportunity and stability to some of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. I am honored to be part of this project and commend SIHF Healthcare for its commitment to making life better for their community and neighbors.”

Phase 2 of Vivian’s Village will be partially funded through tax credit financing provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The development will include a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes, offering diverse housing options for families and individuals. The Phase 2 development is supported by SIHF’s strategic partners, which include MHDC, the St. Clair County Housing Authority, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). US Bank is the investor for the development, and Heartland Bank and Trust is the lender.

“The next phase of Vivian’s Village demonstrates our commitment to not only providing four walls and a roof, but also supportive services to allow residents to live and thrive in an independent setting,” said Kristin Faust, IHDA executive director. “Stable housing is critical to improving one’s quality of life, and these 36 units will provide not just comfort, but a community to call home. IHDA is grateful to contribute to the next phase of this development, and we look forward to continuing this work across St. Clair County in the years ahead.”

“Everyone deserves a place to call home, and we're proud to be involved as an equity investor in the second phase of the Vivian's Village development," said Alex Silversmith, assistant director of affordable housing at U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community development financing subsidiary of U.S. Bank. "Our financing not only helps increase the availability of affordable housing in the Cahokia Heights community but also helps build a foundation of financial stability for those who will live here. We look forward to watching these 36 new units come to life.”

“Heartland Bank is fortunate to have a talented team dedicated to supporting impactful community development,” said Greg Maher, Vice President of Commercial Banking at Heartland Bank. “We’re excited to partner with SIHF Healthcare on Vivian’s Village, contributing resources and expertise to help ensure more quality affordable homes become a reality.”

This new housing development will build upon the success of Vivian’s Village Phase 1, which officially opened in May 2025. Phase 1 delivered 16 supportive one-bedroom units, in addition to a community building that provides health and supportive services to its residents. This development marked the first housing development in Cahokia Heights in over 24 years.

“On behalf of St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern, the Board of Commissioners, and the St. Clair County Housing Authority team, we are proud of our partnership that greatly improves the lives of families throughout the community,” said Vera Jones, Executive Director of the St. Clair County Housing Authority. “By community partners working together, we can effectively address the needs throughout the community, ensuring access to stable and affordable housing, which is vital for their growth, security, and overall well-being. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Larry McCulley and his dedicated team for their unwavering commitment and service.”

In addition to the housing units, Phase 2 of Vivian’s Village will expand access to on-site health and wellness services, including virtual medical visits with SIHF Healthcare providers, community health worker support for education, chronic disease prevention, and care coordination, and a “Food is Medicine” nutrition program that promotes healthy eating, physical activity, and medication management. Together, these programs make Vivian’s Village a model for how affordable housing can directly advance community health.

“We believe improving community health starts with meaningful partnerships,” said Tiffany Davis, Executive Director of Population Health and vendor management at Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Vivian’s Village is doing extraordinary work to support families in need of housing and stability, and we’re proud to stand beside them in reducing housing insecurity throughout Illinois.”

These additions strengthen SIHF’s commitment to making wellness accessible where people live, ensuring every resident has the support, environment, and care needed to flourish with dignity.

The Vivian's Village development is named in honor of the life and legacy of Vivian Cash (1934-2020). Vivian was a cherished member of the Centreville and St. Clair County community. She volunteered and served at a number of community organizations throughout her life. She was the founding member of the Ernest Smith Sr. Apartments Resident Council, which was formed in the early 1990s, and held the position of treasurer until her passing in December 2020. In March of 1999, she was appointed as a commissioner for the SCCHA, where she served as an officer in multiple positions prior to her passing in 2020.

IMPACT Strategies, a longtime construction partner on community and healthcare projects across the Metro East, will serve as general contractor for Phase 2. “IMPACT Strategies is grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside SIHF to improve healthcare outcomes through modernized housing opportunities,” said Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies.

The first units of Phase 2 construction are expected to be completed in August, and the remainder in October 2026. Applications for new residents will open closer to project completion.

About SIHF Healthcare

SIHF Healthcare operates a network of 40 health centers across 14 Illinois counties with more than 140 medical providers delivering comprehensive care, including adult, family, women’s health, pediatrics, children’s dental services, behavioral health, and population health services. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the country, SIHF Healthcare is devoted to leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle regardless of their ability to pay. For more information or to find the nearest provider, visit www.sihf.org.

About IMPACT Strategies

IMPACT Strategies Inc. is a premier commercial builder based in Fairview Heights, Illinois, with a long history of delivering projects that strengthen communities. Their portfolio includes healthcare, education, multifamily, and civic developments throughout the St. Louis metro region. Learn more at buildwithimpact.com.

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