In the summer of 1988, Reverend Lincoln “Lon” Dring, Executive Director of Community Ministry of Montgomery County (now known as Interfaith Works), and Peg McRory, a housing activist, gathered a number of friends and acquaintances together around Peg’s dining room table to search for solutions to the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County. This small group decided to form a non-profit housing organization that could work with the local government and the community to address affordable housing issues.

In 1989, Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) was incorporated and shortly thereafter Norman Christeller, just retiring as chair of the Planning Board, agreed to serve as the first president. The first Board of Directors was chaired by Bill Murry and included members of the River Road Unitarian Church (RRUC) and prominent homebuilders Tony and Tom Natelli. In 1991, Norm moved to chair of the board and Tad Baldwin, a housing consultant was asked to become president.

From 1990 to the present, MHP has continued its mission of expanding affordable housing with the acquisition of older run down multi-family buildings in Montgomery County, expanding into Hyattsville in Prince George’s County and in the District of Columbia. MHP acquires and rehabilitates these buildings and leases them to low- and moderate income families.

Community Life Program Help Residents Build Better Lives Whether helping kids excel in school or providing adults with job training, MHP Community Life Programs support the growth and development of all residents, including the need to have fun. Started in 1997, these programs offer children an award-winning homework club, computer lab access, holiday parties, back to school supplies, summer camps, and cultural outings. Adult programs include: health promotions and fairs.

Neighborhoods Program Strengthens Communities  Since 1997, MHP has offered a unique, award winning community development program conducted in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs that addresses the needs of targeted neighborhoods. Services include formation of neighborhood associations, identification of issues, problem solving and neighborhood infrastructure upgrades.