Ounce Secures $5.2 Million in Seed Funding to Expand Its Health and Housing Initiatives

In a significant stride towards improving healthcare access and housing support for vulnerable populations, Ounce, a Washington, D.C.-based health and housing company, has successfully raised $5.2 million in seed funding. The funding round, which reflects a strong vote of confidence in Ounce’s mission, was co-led by Meridian Street Capital and Flare Capital, and featured participation from notable investors such as Chelsea Clinton’s Metrodora Ventures, Wilshire Lane Capital, Chris Nassetta (CEO of Hilton), Taylor Justice (cofounder of Unite Us), among others.

Led by CEO Rachel Munsie, Ounce has been making waves by enrolling eligible individuals and families in health insurance and vital government assistance programs. What sets Ounce apart is its innovative approach of embedding trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) within affordable housing properties, where they establish trust and rapport with residents over time. This model has proven to be instrumental in assisting Medicaid beneficiaries, providing them with personalized support, education, and guidance to navigate the complex healthcare landscape, adhere to treatment plans, and address the social determinants of health, ultimately resulting in improved health outcomes.

Ounce’s CHWs play a multifaceted role, evaluating residents for gaps in care, conducting onsite health clinics and screenings, enrolling residents in public benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and disability, and facilitating connections to healthcare and social services. This includes scheduling primary care and pediatric appointments and assisting residents with rental assistance applications.

The company has forged pivotal partnerships with AmeriHealth Caritas D.C. and the National Housing Trust, enabling the delivery of care coordination and wraparound services to over 2,000 residents in affordable housing across 9 properties in D.C. Furthermore, Ounce collaborates closely with D.C.-based providers like C3Cares and Urgent Wellness, as well as several local community organizations such as Bread for the City, Capital Area Food Bank, Latin American Youth Center, and more.

With the newly secured funds, Ounce is poised to expand its operations and reach, aiming to make an even more significant impact on the health and well-being of underserved communities. This financial injection marks a promising step forward in the company’s journey to create positive change at the intersection of healthcare and housing.