CAHEC has released its fourth annual ESG Impact Report, detailing progress in sustainability, community investment, and organizational resilience throughout 2025. The report expands on prior years by incorporating the full scope of CAHEC and its affiliates—CAHEC Management, Inc. (CMI) and CAHEC Properties Corporation (CPC)—providing a more complete picture of how the organization advances its mission of thriving communities with affordable housing and equitable opportunities for all.
A key highlight is CAHEC New Markets' receipt of a $75 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund. This brings cumulative NMTC awards to $345 million and investments to $270 million, supporting high-distress communities. Projected outcomes include more than 3,500 jobs created, 5,400 student seats, 1,650 childcare spots, and 662 shelter and recovery beds. The allocation signals continued federal confidence in CAHEC's ability to channel private capital into underserved areas, amplifying its impact where it is needed most.
The 2025 report also features a refreshed materiality assessment that gathered input from internal and external stakeholders across CAHEC and its affiliates. This updated assessment reinforces community impact as a core priority and provides a stronger foundation for CAHEC's ESG strategy. By aligning with leading frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB FN-AC), and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), CAHEC demonstrates a voluntary commitment to transparency and accountability. Such alignment helps stakeholders—investors, partners, and residents—better understand and evaluate the organization's performance.
Operationally, CAHEC reported strong portfolio results: $162.1 million in equity raised, 39 communities and 1,650 units syndicated, $374,100 in community investment grants, and 4,694 residents served. These figures illustrate how CAHEC's financial activities translate into tangible benefits for individuals and families. The $374,100 in grants, for instance, directly supports local initiatives that enhance quality of life, while the 4,694 residents served reflect the reach of CAHEC's housing and supportive services.
Employee-driven community engagement also stands out. Through the Team Outreach program, CAHEC team members contributed 1,340 volunteer hours across 13 partner organizations. This grassroots involvement not only strengthens community ties but also fosters a culture of service within the organization. President and CEO Dana Boole emphasized the significance of the report: "Our refreshed materiality assessment confirms what drives us. Community is still at the core of everything we do, and our accountability to stakeholders matters more than ever. This report provides a stronger foundation to measure what matters and illustrate the full scope of CAHEC's impact."
The implications of this announcement extend beyond CAHEC's immediate stakeholders. As affordable housing challenges persist across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, CAHEC's ability to secure substantial tax credit allocations and deploy capital efficiently offers a model for community development. The report's emphasis on measurable outcomes and alignment with global standards sets a benchmark for accountability in the sector. For those interested in learning more about CAHEC's contributions to affordable housing and surrounding communities, visit CAHEC's website.
