REI as a Vehicle for Social Change?

[David A.]

Good morning/afternoon, all!

So I'm currently living abroad doing volunteer work, and when I get back stateside in a year and change, have plans to start investing in real estate, mostly house-hacking and transitioning into accumulating MFHs. 

My question is : does anyone have creative ideas for ways to use real estate investment as a positive social change vehicle? I guess providing low-income housing in general (Section 8/whatever the new name for it is) fits the bill, but I'm looking for any out-of-the-box ideas. Is this possible only in, say, commercial property, or can anyone think of ways that residences can be used to promote social welfare beyond low-income housing and still be profitable?

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!