Homeownership is now a reality for two Covenant HealthCare employees, marking a meaningful milestone not only in their personal journeys but in the continued transformation of neighborhoods surrounding the hospital's main campus.
Through the Covenant HealthCare Extraordinary Neighbors Program, Yamia Scott, a resource nursing care assistant, and Erica Enciso, a patient accounting team member, have officially moved into newly constructed homes just steps from where they work and serve patients and families each day.
Their stories reflect the heart of the Covenant HealthCare commitment to providing extraordinary care for the whole person—supporting not only the physical health of patients, but the well-being, stability, and future of employees and the surrounding community.
These employee journeys represent just one outcome of Extraordinary Neighbors, a long-term neighborhood investment initiative by Covenant HealthCare, which has partnered with Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity, Saginaw County, City of Saginaw, and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to revitalize and bring new homes to the area. Through efforts ranging from new home construction and employee homeownership opportunities to neighborhood revitalization and housing improvements, the initiative is helping strengthen the Covenant Neighborhood while supporting the health and well-being of those who live there.
Walk to Work Program Makes Homeownership a Reality
One component of Extraordinary Neighbors is Walk to Work, a program designed to make homeownership more attainable for Covenant HealthCare employees. The program provides eligible employees with up to $30,000 in financial assistance toward purchasing or renovating a home within walking distance of the main Covenant HealthCare campus in Saginaw.
Yamia Scott and Dylan Hellus touring her new home
Abbey Stemple handing keys to new homeowner Erica Enciso
Just days after closing on her new home, Yamia Scott is still taking it all in. What once felt out of reach has quickly become part of everyday life—walking through her own front door, settling into a space that is truly hers, and knowing work is just a short walk away.
Before becoming a homeowner in the neighborhood, Yamia spent time volunteering at the Neighborhood Revitalization Project last June. That experience offered a glimpse into a neighborhood she would soon call home.
“It's definitely a sense of accomplishment—something I didn't think would be possible for me. I'm overjoyed," said Yamia. "I'm excited to be able to walk to work and save on gas.”
For Erica Enciso, the transition to homeownership is just as meaningful, shaped by what it creates for her family. Moving out of a rental and into a home of her own has brought a new sense of stability and possibility for the future.
“I'm looking forward to building a garden, and it'll be mine. I can decorate. I can paint. It's something that me and my children can call our own,” said Erica. “On the days I work in the office, I can walk to work—it's not that far.”
Together, their stories reflect more than new addresses; they represent an investment in local neighborhoods, connection to community, and a future built close to where extraordinary care happens every day.
Walk to Work Program highlights include:
- Up to $30,000 in down payment or renovation assistance for employees
- Financial education through Habitat for Humanity
- Reduced commute time and costs for employees
- Long-term investment in neighborhood stability and growth
“Covenant HealthCare provides extraordinary care to every generation, but we're not developers or home builders,” said Dylan Hellus, Covenant HealthCare Neighborhood Engagement Specialist. “That's why partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity are so important. Together, we're able to invest in housing, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting community impact.”
Together, the partnership is helping to create more vibrant, connected neighborhoods around Covenant HealthCare where employees live, work, and invest in the same community.
“Habitat for Humanity's mission is to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. We believe everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to call home,” said Abbey Stemple, Executive Director of Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity. “The Extraordinary Neighbors initiative allows us to address housing needs in multiple ways—from helping employees achieve homeownership through Walk to Work to improving existing homes through neighborhood revitalization efforts. Together, we're strengthening the health and stability of our community.”
Since relaunching the Covenant Walk to Work program in 2024, more than 100 employees have expressed interest in the program, with several progressing toward homeownership. Through the broader Extraordinary Neighbors partnership, Covenant HealthCare, Habitat for Humanity, Saginaw County, and MSHDA are on track to complete 12 newly constructed homes by the end of 2026, which will soon be ready for employees to occupy.
Neighborhood Revitalization Strengthens Existing Homes
Homeownership is just one part of Extraordinary Neighbors. The initiative also invests in existing homes through annual neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Community members were invited to take part in the Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Revitalization Project, sponsored by Covenant HealthCare, in June. This year, Habitat for Humanity hosted more than 1,060 volunteers over eight days in the Covenant Neighborhood.
One homeowner who has benefited from the program is Amy Shannon, a Health Unit Coordinator at Covenant HealthCare. “When we bought the house, we had always dreamed of having it repainted,” said Amy.
Amy's home was selected as one of 18 homes to receive improvements during the 2025 Neighborhood Revitalization project. Colleagues from Covenant HealthCare as well as volunteers from Habitat for Humanity, and the broader community came together to complete porch repairs, updates, and a fresh coat of paint.
“It was a really big thing for our family,” said Amy. “We love this house and this neighborhood. Every time we come home, it makes us proud to live here.”
The two-week effort benefits qualifying homeowners within designated Covenant HealthCare Neighborhood boundaries and is not limited to employees. Volunteers are invited annually in June to participate individually, with friends and family, or alongside colleagues to support home repairs and neighborhood improvements.
To learn more about the annual Neighborhood Revitalization Project, contact Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity or visit www.sshfh.org.
About the Extraordinary Neighbors Program
Extraordinary Neighbors is the comprehensive neighborhood investment initiative by Covenant HealthCare focused on strengthening the communities surrounding its main campus through housing, neighborhood revitalization, homeownership opportunities, community partnerships, and resident engagement. As Saginaw County’s largest employer, Covenant is committed to delivering extraordinary care for the whole person—recognizing that health is shaped not only by medical care, but also by the conditions in which people live, work, and thrive.
Through partnerships with Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Extraordinary Neighbors supports a range of initiatives, including new home construction, employee homeownership through the Walk to Work program, annual neighborhood revitalization projects, and broader investments in community resources such local parks.
Since launching the initiative in 2023, Covenant HealthCare has committed $2.5 million over five years to neighborhood revitalization efforts, helping leverage an additional $2.8 million in community investment. Together, these efforts are increasing access to quality housing, strengthening neighborhood stability, and creating opportunities for residents, employees, and families to build healthier futures.
By investing in housing and neighborhood development, Extraordinary Neighbors advances the mission of Covenant HealthCare—extraordinary care for every generation—to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities served and creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond the walls of the hospital. CovenantHealthCare.com/ExtraordinaryNeighbors