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SIHF Healthcare Celebrates Vivian’s Village Housing Phase I Development Opening
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, IL – SIHF Healthcare (SIHF) celebrated the grand opening of Phase I of Vivian’s Village Wednesday, June 11, 2025 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5708 Bond Avenue in Cahokia Heights, IL. Vivian’s Village encompasses 16 one-bedroom housing units and is dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and supportive housing within a community SIHF serves.
“This ribbon cutting and opening of the new homes at Vivian’s Village is a testament to SIHF’s vision to foster dignity and economic development in our communities that link health services to housing,” said Larry McCulley, CEO of SIHF.
This milestone marked the completion of a collaborative project launched in August 2024 with Metropolitan Housing and Development Corporation (MHDC), St. Clair County Housing Authority (SCCHA), Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
“For 57 years, MHDC has been working to chip away at the barriers faced by so many people in their search for decent housing. For 23 years, we’ve been honored to work with SIHF on several developments in the greater East St. Louis region,” said Richard Gonzalez, president of MHDC. “Vivian’s Village Phase 1 is our most recent joint venture with SIHF, and we’re thrilled to be participating in this innovative form of supportive housing. For far too long, low-income individuals at risk of homelessness have been ignored in the marketplace. Not anymore- Vivian’s Village will provide a comfortable and secure home where people vulnerable to swings of the economy can find the tools to move their lives forward and thrive in a community that cares about their future.”
In addition to the 16 new units, the Vivian’s Village site also includes a community building that will provide health care and supportive services for the development’s residents.
“The SCCHA Board of Commissioners, along with its dedicated team, is honored to collaborate with organizations that emphasize the critical need for affordable housing,” said Vera Jones, executive director of the SCCHA. “Our joint efforts aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families, promoting community growth and a brighter future. This Vivian’s Village initiative will not only meet essential housing requirements but will also focus on the health needs of residents, fostering strong families through a comprehensive support approach.
This residential community will directly link health care and housing in the Cahokia Heights area. Services will be provided by SIHF, located adjacent to the proposed site.
“Our commitment to expanding access to health care throughout the State of Illinois is underscored by this investment in Vivian’s Village, and the work that SIHF has done in creating this community will no doubt impact the health and wellbeing of the entire area,” said Nancy Wolhart, President of Medicaid for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.
SIHF, the primary developer for the project, is one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the state of Illinois and is dedicated to the creation of affordable housing as a critical component of a person's health and well-being. Housing instability, caused by lack of affordability, often forces families to choose between paying for rent, utilities, food, or medical care, affecting families' mental and physical health.
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 death in 2020.