The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – July 2024
Alhagie
Alhagie is dealing with the challenges of high school and working to carve out his future and define his own path. His family has banded together to support each other, and sometimes that has meant relocating to find a more manageable rent. Since Alhagie moved to an MHP property, he has joined our FLOW teen program and volunteered many hours to help younger students. He also enjoyed receiving gifts through the MHP toy drive. These programs have helped him feel connection to the community and gain a solid foundation for his high school years. Watch Alhagie share his perspective at our golf tournament.
Eseme’s Story
Eseme has been working for MHP part-time for several years. With a passion for math and STEM activities, Eseme inspires students in our GATOR Club to develop a love of learning. Watch Eseme describe what moves him and view some great photos from our Community Life programs. Watch here.
Jan’s Story
Since moving to The Bonifant, one of MHP’s senior properties in Silver Spring, Jan has been an avid supporter of MHP. She joined our Board of Directors, has spoken about MHP publicly on numerous occasions, and recently served as a co-host for our Making Home Possible For All campaign. We are so lucky to have Jan’s support. She is a powerhouse and anyone would want Jan in their court. Read her full story here and watch her recent testimony at a County Council hearing. Watch here.
Bertila’s Story
Bertila’s life is filled with family and love, but things are not always easy. She lives with her daughter and granddaughter, and money is tight. She recently lost her sister from cancer and also lost her job. Bertila is hopeful that she will find a new job and is grateful to have affordable housing through MHP. Watch Bertila’s testimony here.
Mame’s Story
Mame grew up at Glenville Road in Silver Spring, an MHP property. At Homework Club, she received guidance from staff and experienced the benefits of a tight-knit community of peers who stuck together. This brought stability to her life and gave her a foundation for the exceptional college student and adult she would become. Watch our 2023 mission video here to listen to Mame’s updates and watch her 2022 speech here.
Zachary’s Story
Zachary grew up with MHP and now he is thriving in middle school. Zachary is a young man with incredible charisma and wisdom beyond his years. With the guidance of MHP staff, Zachary won an essay contest for the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers and last year, served as a featured speaker at our Building Dreams benefit event. Watch Zachary take the stage and display his speaking skills. Watch here.
Upcoming Events
With your help, every summer MHP provides more than 700 students with tools to learn and succeed: brand-new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies.
Backpacks and supplies are needed now more than ever. Help us make that possible for every child in our community. You also can select items from our Amazon wishlist or make a financial donation. Thanks for helping low- and moderate-income students start the school year right!
We’re Hiring
MHP is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team in Silver Spring. With a mission that matters, MHP employees make a difference and enjoy a range of professional benefits. Do you have at least three years of grant writing experience? You might be a fit for our featured job: Grants Manager. Learn more here. here.
With competitive pay and benefits, a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and a mission to help people in the community, MHP is a great place to grow your career!
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – June 2024
Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope
Thanks to Manna Food Center, MHP was recently able to provide food for residents in Wheaton, MD and we continue to host monthly food distributions at other properties, including Gilbert Highlands in Takoma Park. Together, we can support our community and make progress towards ending hunger in Montgomery County, MD and beyond. We are proud to partner with Manna and share their goals of fighting against hunger, feeding hope, and helping our neighbors get back on their feet.
La Verdad Newspaper Highlights Long Branch
EXTRA, EXTRA! Read all about Long Branch in the new, local, free newspaper, La Verdad.
MHP staff continue to find creative solutions to support Long Branch businesses. Purple Line construction disruptions have long been an issue, but things have become even more difficult recently. Stores and restaurants near the intersection of University Blvd. and Piney Branch Rd. are being severely impacted and most report that business is down anywhere from 20 to 40%. La Verdad invites the community and visitors to learn more about the wonderful offerings in Long Branch so they can discover new reasons to shop local and eat local.
MHP’s Community Economic Development Coordinator Paul Grenier has put his writing talents to use for this exciting publication. La Verdad targets business owners and residents alike and serves as a vehicle to promote our community events as well as the local small businesses we support.
Pick up a copy of the newspaper at Flower Deli, El Gavilan and El Golfo. It includes content in both English and Spanish!
NeighborWorks Week Success
This month, MHP hosted our largest group ever for NeighborWorks Week – more than 50 employees from NeighborWorks America attended our Day in the Field event. We were honored to be selected for this opportunity to showcase our mission and impact through a bus tour, property visit, and volunteer activity. As a member organization for almost two decades, we value the leadership of NeighborWorks, the resources they provide, and our shared goals: to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. Thank you to this incredible group for beautifying Flower Avenue Urban Park in Long Branch and engaging with our work through tours.
Karen’s Story
MHP resident Karen recently testified in support of funding to preserve and expand affordable housing during a Montgomery County Council public hearing. Karen and her husband contracted COVID-19 and experienced financial instability as a result. She told the hearing they fell behind on rent payments for over five months until MHP provided them with $7,000 in rental assistance through designated resources. Here are a few of Karen’s thoughts that she shared:
“Thanks to the help we received, we were able to start over and continued paying rent on time. With this assistance, my husband, who is the sole breadwinner of our household, can now pay rent on time and without any trouble…Furthermore, the social services provided by MHP have given us access to food assistance, which has enabled our family to thrive and overcome obstacles. I firmly believe everyone should have equal opportunities to reside in financially viable and secure housing. Therefore, I urge the County Council to prioritize allocating sufficient funds for affordable housing. It is time to take action and ensure that everyone has access to a dignified place called home.”
The Neighborhoods team helps many residents like Karen and is expanding its efforts to include them in direct advocacy. Watch her testimony here: here.
Upcoming Events
With your help, every summer MHP provides more than 700 students with tools to learn and succeed: brand-new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies.
Backpacks and supplies are needed now more than ever. Help us make that possible for every child in our community. You also can select items from our Amazon wishlist or make a financial donation. Thanks for helping low- and moderate-income students start the school year right!
We’re Hiring
MHP is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team in Silver Spring. With a mission that matters, MHP employees make a difference and enjoy a range of professional benefits.
Do you have at least three years of grant writing experience? You might be a fit for our featured job: Grants Manager.
Learn more here. here.
With competitive pay and benefits, a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and a mission to help people in the community, MHP is a great place to grow your career!
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – May 2024
Empowering Families
Nothing Like a Mother’s Love
“A parent’s love is whole, no matter how many times divided.” – Robert Breault
Parents and caregivers showed love for their children at the recent Mother’s Day gatherings organized by our community life staff. With donuts, balloons, casseroles, drinks, and other treats, it was a beautiful day for bonding. The classic hand-made cards made each parent’s day and they loved seeing their students’ classrooms.
Hands-On Science Fun
Our Community Life students were back in Baltimore this month, partaking in another one of the city’s amazing learning institutions. MCPS schools were closed for voting, so MHP staff ensured that students could have a fun and engaging day out. GATOR elementary-age students visited the Maryland Science Center where they enjoyed interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a giant screen theater, science encounters, live shows, and more.
What is GATOR?
MHP partners with Arcola Elementary School in Wheaton to offer two innovative afterschool programs focused on strengthening students’ math, science, and reading skills through the Great Achievers Toward Outstanding Results (GATOR) program. GATOR enrolls up to 120 students, including elementary school students at Amherst and Pembridge Square from September to June.
GATOR is made possible through funding from the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers: Maryland Out-of-School Time Programs for the Future grant award.
Letter from a Parent
MHP staff make an impact every day. Recently, one mom took the time to share her appreciation for Program Manager Violeta Martel for providing exceptional and trusted care for her daughter.
Dear Ms. Violeta,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional care and support you provide to my daughter, especially considering her type 1 diabetic condition.
As a single mom, navigating the challenges of raising a child with a medical condition can be overwhelming at times. However, knowing that she is in such capable hands at the GATOR Club brings me immense peace of mind. Your willingness to accommodate her needs and make her feel included in all activities despite her condition means more to me than words can express.
It’s heartwarming to see how the GATOR Club teachers not only take care of her physical well-being but also make her feel valued and welcomed as a member of the club. The kindness and understanding you all show towards her are truly appreciated.
Moreover, the support you offer me as a single parent by allowing her to participate in this after-school program is invaluable. Knowing that she has a safe and nurturing environment to be in while I’m at work is a tremendous relief.
Please know that your dedication and compassion do not go unnoticed. You play a significant role in my daughter’s life, and I am endlessly grateful for everything you do for her.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for making a positive difference in our lives.
Warm regards,
Gelila
Community Life Partnerships
Project Change
Silver Spring Judy Center
Kiwanis
Story Tapestries
Montgomery County Public Schools
The Civic Circle
The Washington Conservatory of Music
Montgomery County Department of Recreation
Parent Empowerment Program
Sharp Insight
TransAct
ABC Mouse
Girl Scouts
Maryland State Department of Education
Children Opportunity Alliance
PNC Bank
Action Youth Media
Charity for Change
Crittenton Services of Greater Washington
Upcoming Events
Annual Norman Christeller Golf Classic
This event is an important source of support for MHP’s Community Life programs, providing enrichment activities and homework help to students in our communities.
When: Monday, June 24, 2024
Where: Hampshire Greens, 616 Firestone Dr, Ashton, MD 20861
Link to Register: here
We’re Hiring
MHP is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team in Silver Spring. With a mission that matters, MHP employees make a difference and enjoy a range of professional benefits.
Learn more here.
With competitive pay and benefits, a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and a mission to help people in the community, MHP is a great place to grow your career!
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – April 2024
Housing People
Progress at Worthington Woods
Located in Washington, D.C. Ward 8, Worthington Woods is our largest property. After a recent groundbreaking and renovation celebration, construction is well underway and soon residents will enjoy updated, modernized homes along with a new playground and community center. Take a peek inside an apartment that was recently renovated down to the studs and view the rendering for the new community playground.
Empowering Families
Under the Sea Experience Delights MHP Students
The National Aquarium is a jewel of our region, but it’s far from Montgomery County, and it’s cost-prohibitive for many low-income families. Most of our Play & Learn preschool students have never been there before. Thanks to special grant funding from PNC Bank and Montgomery County Children’s Opportunity Alliance, 77 preschool-age students recently visited the museum with MHP staff. The children were completely wowed by the magical creatures living in our oceans. From delicate jellyfish to intimidating sharks, students enjoyed exploring and learning more about animals and their habitats.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Gift Pantry Supports Residents in Wheaton
Even with the benefit of affordable housing, some families still struggle to make ends meet. Food prices have risen since 2020 due to a combination of factors, including inflation, labor costs, supply chain challenges, and global conflicts. Often, salary increases do not keep up with these increases and working families face difficult budget decisions. MHP’s resident outreach team helps in a variety of ways. For example, we recently held a pop-up pantry at Pembridge Square apartments. Runway for a Cause brought free household items, toys, and clothing. The event helped more than 50 families.
Featured Video
Community Makers Series
There are many people making a difference at MHP. In our new Community Makers series, we hear from Stefan, who was greatly impacted by the work he did during his AmeriCorps stint. Stefan saw first-hand how critical affordable housing is in our region, and how great the need is for the services we provide. Watch here.
Upcoming Events
Cinco de Mayo
You are invited to experience Cinco de Mayo in Long Branch! Join us May 3 – May 5 for a weekend of celebration – music, dancing, and margaritas. While you are there, explore the local restaurants and check out specials/Happy Hour deals.
Purchase your mug at the MHP merch tent and join us for our “Margarita” Crawl all weekend. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available. We hope you will come out and join us for this Long Branch Business League initiative to support our restaurants.
Free event! All are welcome.
More Info: here
Annual Norman Christeller Golf Classic
This event is an important source of support for MHP’s Community Life programs, providing enrichment activities and homework help to students in our communities.
When: Monday, June 24, 2024
Where: Hampshire Greens, 616 Firestone Dr, Ashton, MD 20861
Link to Register: here.
We’re Hiring
MHP is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team in Silver Spring. With a mission that matters, MHP employees make a difference and enjoy a range of professional benefits.
Learn more here. here
With competitive pay and benefits, a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and a mission to help people in the community, MHP is a great place to grow your career!
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – March 2024
Housing People
Honoring Women
Did you know that in the summer of 1988, Peg McRory, a housing activist, gathered a number of friends and acquaintances together around her dining room table to search for solutions to the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County? This was a major moment in the creation of MHP.
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary and honor Women’s History Month, we reflect on the critical role women have played in MHP’s foundation and the important work they are doing today.
Advocacy in Action
MHP recently joined other mission-driven organizations in Annapolis for Maryland Affordable Housing Day. Our robust team met with elected officials and expressed the need to approve the proposed Capital Budget related to Rental Housing Works and other important affordable housing funding measures.
Nonprofit Developer of the Year – Washington Business Journal
MHP is thrilled to announce that we have been named Nonprofit Developer of the Year by the Washington Business Journal.
In 2023, we achieved many affordable housing development milestones and are proud to provide homes for almost 3,000 families in Montgomery County and beyond. Many of our latest developments preserve or create apartments along the Purple Line corridor, preventing displacement of moderate- and low-income residents.
Big things are happening!
Read more here.
Empowering Families
Day of Love
Our Community Life staff recently celebrated Valentines Day with students and families, spreading love and promoting positivity in their classrooms. They enjoyed exchanging cards, eating treats, and showing appreciation for their friends, teachers, and families.
Wellness for Seniors
MHP provides affordable housing for more than 1,200 seniors. Many of our older residents live at The Bonifant or Franklin Apartments, both of which serve seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. We also have seniors interspersed throughout other properties. Supportive programs can enhance the lives of seniors and keep them feeling connected. These include birthday gatherings, yoga, coffee hour, and more.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Community Health Leadership – Fatima
MHP’s outreach team is at the forefront of resident support.
As a Salvadoran migrant, Fatima Coreas has experienced first-hand the struggle of moving to a new country and not knowing the language, a challenge that many of our residents also face.
Fatima was recently promoted to the role of Community Engagement Team Leader, an expanded position that will allow her to oversee a new health initiative. Fatima will use her expertise to train and employ residents to become Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the communities where they live. The CHW program will connect residents with health resources at MHP’s Amherst/Pembridge communities in Wheaton, MD.
Fatima aspires to be an instrument of change and help other immigrants in vulnerable circumstances, connecting them with health resources and other programs that can positively impact their lives.
Flower Theatre Highlighted on NBC
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate the Flower Theatre’s façade reconstruction. In case you missed it, NBC stopped by to celebrate this milestone. Watch an interview with Policy and Neighborhood Development Director Chris Gillis and another with MHP President Robert A. Goldman.
We’re Hiring
MHP is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team in Silver Spring. With a mission that matters, MHP employees make a difference and enjoy a range of professional benefits. Learn more here.
With competitive pay and benefits, a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and a mission to help people in the community, MHP is a great place to grow your career!
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – February 2024
This year, MHP is celebrating 35 years! On Jan 11, 1989, 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 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. A caring collaboration was born!
From 1990 to the present, MHP has continued its mission of preserving and expanding quality affordable housing in our region. Our supportive programs have also expanded to meet the needs of our residents and help local businesses.
For the last 35 years, we’ve been housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods. With your support, we’ll be around for many more.
Housing People
Progress at Forest Glen
Construction continues at The Residences at Forest Glen. Site preparation and foundation work are complete, and building envelope work is now underway. Buildings one and two are being framed and will soon be enclosed with roofing, siding, and other exterior elements.
Neighbors and visitors passing by can view significant construction progress on this multi-family property. We look forward to bringing 189 new affordable apartments to the Silver Spring community. The project will be completed by spring 2025.
Thought Leadership in Affordable Housing
MHP leads the way in advocacy for preserving and expanding access to quality affordable housing in our region. Read more about MHP President Robert A. Goldman’s perspective on building affordable housing on church land in Montgomery County.
“The need for affordable housing is great. Much of the county is already built out, so finding opportunities for land like this…is a wonderful opportunity.”
– MHP President, Robert A. Goldman
Empowering Families
Emeli’s Take on Giving Back
MHP Community Life Program Manager Emeli Oliva was recently featured on a WJLA Helping Hands segment. She shared how growing up in an MHP property helps her connect with her own students.
“I am the story of how it is, and I tell the kids I work with that I used to be one of you guys,” Emeli said.
Oliva understands first-hand what her students experience. She has shared some of the same challenges and joys and this keeps her connected to their success. Watch the video here.
Angels for Children Toy Drive – 25 Years of Magic
For the 25th year, the Angels for Children Toy Drive brought gifts to hundreds of affordable housing residents in the Wheaton community. Here are a few highlights from this magical endeavor. Thank you to the many businesses, organizations, families, and individuals who collected gifts, helped with wrapping, and made donations. We could not have done this without all of you!
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Long Branch Flower Theatre Relighting
Flower Theatre illuminated the Long Branch neighborhood at our recent relighting event which attracted more than 125 people. The façade renovation is now complete and MHP hopes to build interest in funding and renovating the interior of this beloved venue.
The event was organized by Discover Long Branch and featured speakers including Project Manager Amee Bearne, Councilmember Kate Stewart, Councilmember Evan Glass, Councilmember Will Jawando, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, MHP President Robert A. Goldman, MHP Director of Policy and Neighborhood Development Chris Gillis, and more.
Many partners were thanked, including Donohoe Construction, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Montgomery County Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Cafritz Foundation and MHP.
Lyttonsville Highlight
What is Lyttonsville? This Silver Spring neighborhood was established in the 1850s and it has a rich history and many business offerings. It is also centrally located with varied transit options and will be home to a Purple Line stop in 2027.
Last year, MHP acquired Rollingwood Apartments in Lyttonsville and we’ve been working to develop connections with our residents there, including free backpack distributions, toy drives, and social gatherings.
Now, we’re excited to announce that Discover Lyttonsville has been established with the tagline Doers+Makers+More. Learn more about this effort to strengthen the community and local business district at https://discoverlyttonsville.com/
MHP receives funding through Montgomery County’s Placed-Based Management program that assists with economic development and tourism in business districts and in urban corridors with significant business and retail offerings.
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – January 2024
2023 was a highly productive year at MHP. Thanks to our dedicated staff, partners, and supporters, we met or exceeded many of our goals, expanded access to affordable housing, enhanced our supportive programs, and remained a strong presence in the community of Montgomery County and beyond. Given the high cost of living in our region coupled with inflation, we responded to the varied needs of our residents, providing a wide range of services and resources, helping families living on low and moderate incomes. We’re proud to provide quality affordable housing for more than 4,000 people and remain committed to our mission of housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods.
Here are some highlights from 2023:
Housing People
- 189 apartments – Residences at Forest Glen financial close, demolition, groundbreaking, and construction progress
- 395 apartments – Worthington Woods financial close, groundbreaking, progress on renovations
- 78 apartments – N Frederick financial close, renovations coming in 2024
- 96 apartments – Colonnade at the Creek renovations and ribbon cutting
- Nebel Street Site Plan – All entitlements received, all funding including 9 and 4 percent tax credits awarded, and application for building permits was made
- Amherst Square / Wheaton Arts – Sketch Plan approved
Empowering Families
- Increased overall student enrollment, serving 400+ children in 2023
- Expanded outreach efforts to Rollingwood Apartments, including a community celebration where we distributed more than 140 backpacks and supply gift cards
- Partnered with Empowering the Ages, providing mentoring for FLOW middle school students
- Provided arts and nature programming in partnership with Nature Forward and Washington Conservatory of Music
- Achieved 82% attendance at Amherst/Pembridge GATOR Club
- Achieved 100% parent satisfaction rate for GATOR Club
Strengthening Neighborhoods
- Launched free scholarship portal for MHP residents, with more than 10 categories of scholarships targeting the community’s demographics
- Grew number of recipients at Gilbert Highlands monthly food distribution and oversaw new food distribution efforts at Great Hope Homes and Amherst/Pembridge
- Oversaw distribution of over $56,000 in fire relief funds
- Provided Community Health Worker training for a second MHP resident engagement specialist
- Hosted 11 events in Long Branch, including new Cuts 4 Cuties event which provided free haircuts to almost 80 kids in time for back to school
- Led group of Worthington Woods residents to NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute
- Led restoration of Flower Theatre façade, including placing the iconic Flower neon sign that adorns the top of the theater, relighting the marquee, restoring the ticket booth, and more
- Held first Apartment Assistance Program landlord seminar in three years with the highest number of attendees in AAP history