The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – October 2024
Housing People
DHCD Secretary Jake Day Tours MHP
Our state funding partners recently visited the Residences at Forest Glen site and got a sneak peek at this dynamic project, which will be completed in spring of 2025. Much progress has been made and we were able to don our hard hats and explore the building’s interior and exterior. DHCD Secretary Jake Day also stopped by Long Branch to view our extensive community development work there.
We thank Secretary Day and his team for visiting and seeing our work first-hand.
Read more about Secretary Day’s visit here
MHP is excited to unveil the completed Residences at Forest Glen property soon and welcome residents who income qualify. For those interested in renting, please visit this site to complete an interest form.
Empowering Families
Pumpkins and Fall Fun
School days off are a perfect opportunity for special trips with our students! Homework Club students recently visited Butler’s Orchard for a day of fall fun. A hayride brought the kids out to a pumpkin patch where they each picked the perfect pumpkin to bring home. There were many activities including giant slides, a new playground, a rope spider web, corn pit, and mazes. It was a great day to get out and play!
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Tax Credit Support for Residents
Did you know that the State of Maryland provides a tax credit for eligible renters?
The Renters’ Tax Credit Program provides property tax credits for renters who meet certain requirements. The concept rests on the reasoning that renters indirectly pay property taxes as part of their rent and thus should have some protection, as do homeowners. The plan is based upon the relationship between rent and income.
This year, MHP helped 60 residents of Franklin Apartments apply for the Maryland Renters Tax Credit. If deemed eligible, they will receive up to $1,000 from the state and $500 from Montgomery County, which provides a 50% match of the State credit.
Franklin is a property for seniors, and this funding will help our residents immensely.
Staff Happenings
Hispanic Heritage Month
With so many members of our staff hailing from Spain or Latin America, our recent office gathering for Hispanic Heritage Month was both educational and delicious! We enjoyed a variety of foods from local restaurants and connected with each other. Numerous people contributed to this wonderful celebration of cultures and shared their experiences living in America as people of Hispanic descent. Their perspectives also helped our staff better understand the experiences of our residents and community members, many of whom identify as Latinx or Hispanic.
Real Estate Leadership Update
Congratulations to three of our team members who were recently promoted; Stephanie Roodman to vice president of real estate, John Poyer to director of real estate, and Jon McCall to director of real estate!
Read more here.
We appreciate the many contributions of our dedicated staff who help us make home possible
Upcoming Events
Long Branch 5K Fun Run
RUN, don’t walk, to register today!
The Long Branch 5K will be held on November 3rd, 2024 in Long Branch, MD.
This is a family-oriented community event, with proceeds going towards the efforts of Discover Long Branch and the Long Branch Business League, in addition to supporting the Long Branch Festival, one of our major community events! You can run, walk, or even participate virtually. Register here.
Building Dreams Tours
MHP provides thousands of low- and moderate-income families and individuals with quality affordable homes where they can thrive. Our Building Dreams tour, a one-hour experience, is a way to see our work first-hand. Each tour is held at an MHP property and explores the heart of all we do.
The tours include learning about our holistic approach to housing. You will walk the property, see facilities like Community Centers where innovative programs are happening, and hear inspiring resident stories.
Let us show you how MHP is fulfilling our mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods. Email Jaimee Goodman to learn more and RSVP: jgoodman@mhpartners.org
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.
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 – September 2024
Housing People
Showcasing Colonnade at the Creek
Visitors from Citi recently toured Colonnade at the Creek in Takoma Park. Robert Goldman and Stephanie Roodman shared insights on what makes the property special, including its vintage-meets-modern colonnade structure, the community center that once housed a boiler room, and the serene location set back amidst nature yet highly accessible to public transportation and major roads.
MHP recently received the $1M Citi Progress Makers grant, which helps fund projects like Colonnade at the Creek and so much more. We were grateful to connect with other Citi Progress Makers – nonprofits in our region that are making a difference in terms of equitable community development.
Empowering Families
Back to School with All the Tools
MHP recently held our annual backpack drive to help 700+ students get the tools they need to start the school year right.
Our team brought backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies directly to students participating in our Community Life programs, in addition to hundreds of other young residents throughout our properties, from preschoolers to teens.
We hosted our second annual summer/back-to-school party at Rollingwood Apartments in the Lyttonsville neighborhood of Silver Spring. Staff connected with residents there, holding a pool party with free food, face painting, college scholarship resources, and information booths. Donaldson and BLOOM partnered with us for this event.
MHP also held a block party at Worthington Woods in Washington, D.C., where we distributed backpacks to residents. Activities included free dental care through a mobile clinic, career counseling services through partner Career Catchers, face painting, ice cream, music, and more.
Thank you to EVERYONE who contributed to this major effort! We could not have done this without your support. Read more here.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Long Branch Festival
The most perfect weather on the planet set the stage for this year’s Long Branch Festival. The amazing entertainment lineup, food options, vendors, activities, decorations, and crowd energy did not disappoint.
On Sept. 13 and 14, Flower Avenue Urban Park came alive with almost 5,000 visitors, some newbies and some die-hard Long Branch Fest fans. Attendees enjoyed food from local eateries, including El Gavilan, El Golfo, Love & Flour Bakery, Koma Café, Ocean City Seafood, and more. There was something for everyone on the stage, including Eric Energy for kids, Zumba for fitness seekers, and diverse international bands like Cubano Groove and Cheik Hamala Diabate of West Africa.
Discover Long Branch aims to support businesses in Long Branch, and this popular annual festival brought la fiesta once again.
Clarksburg Fire Fund Update
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Clarksburg Fire Fund. With your help, we raised $14,444. Those funds have been distributed directly to impacted families.
On August 17, 2024, a fire devastated a multi-unit apartment building in the 12000 block of Clarksburg Square Road in Clarksburg, MD. At the request of Montgomery County, MHP collected financial donations to help affected families. While this is not an MHP property, we maintain close ties with the community through the many affordable housing properties we have developed in Montgomery County and are playing a role by managing financial donations to help impacted residents.
Upcoming Events
Looking for more Long Branch excitement? Upcoming events include an October 11th movie night and a November 3rd 5K fun run. Discover details about these and other monthly events 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.
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.
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 – August 2024
Housing People
Construction in Progress
Get up to date on MHP real estate! The gears are turning this summer on affordable housing. MHP has 3 properties under construction:
Worthington Woods in D.C.’s Ward 8 is undergoing a major renovation. Once apartments are updated, we will begin work on the community center and playground. This vast community contains 394 apartment homes with solar panels throughout.
Frederick apartments in Gaithersburg are also undergoing major renovations. This unique property is home to 78 apartments with green space, a renovated playground, and a community garden! A new name and look will be coming soon.
Residences at Forest Glen (pictured above) is a ground-up redevelopment in Silver Spring. The expansive, modern property will contain 189 apartment homes and be completed by 2025. Soon, the management company will begin accepting applications. Updates will be posted here.
Empowering Families
Adventure Seekers
MHP’s summer programs served more than 400 children and teens. Staff planned, facilitated, and supervised more than 25 trips to fun locations throughout the region. Many kids stated that field trips were their favorite part of the summer. We visited museums, parks, mini golf, splash pads, farms, and more.
Thank you to all the donors and partners who make our free programs possible and ensure that low- and moderate-income children can partake in all the things that make summer special. We could not run these programs without your support.
Expo Showcases Student Work
If you could design your own car, what would it look like?
What’s your idea of the perfect cupcake?
This summer, the Greenwood Community Center hosted a camp that invited students to invent, create, write, and explore. Their work culminated in an end-of-summer expo, showcasing their unique ideas, talents, and humor. MHP staff were invited to judge the many project elements and provide feedback. Three original films completed the expo and left spectators laughing in their seats at ghosts, zombies, and other characters. Watch this video to see their work in action.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
AAP Seminar Success
This month’s Apartment Assistance Program (AAP) seminar featured record attendance! Landlords and property managers who own less than 50 units learned about the AAP and all the resources it provides. Technical assistance, current and upcoming legislation, best practices, and financial assistance were just a few of the topics discussed during the 2-hour seminar. Guest speakers from Building Consultants, Inc. provided input on the importance of capital needs assessments and how they can be subsidized through the AAP. Attendees enjoyed dinner provided by El Golfo restaurant and AAP members had an opportunity to engage in robust discussions and network amongst one another. Apartment Assistance & Sustainability Program Manager Ali Khademian facilitated this event at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
National Night Out
MHP staff and partners connected with residents at many of our properties for National Night Out including Worthington Woods, Beall’s Grant, and the Lyttonsville business district. Community members enjoyed meeting staff and local law enforcement officers, participating in activities, and checking out flashy vehicles.
National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Clarksburg Fire Fund
On August 17, 2024 a fire devastated a multi-unit apartment building in Montgomery County, Maryland impacting dozens of families. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, at least 25 apartment units were damaged in the 12000 block of Clarksburg Square Road in Clarksburg on Saturday, displacing approximately 45 residents.
At the request of Montgomery County, MHP is collecting financial donations to help affected families. While this is not an MHP property, we maintain close ties with the community through the many affordable housing properties we have developed in Montgomery County and are playing a role by managing financial donations to help impacted residents.
Please visit our website to learn more and consider making a donation today. Click here.
Join Us for a Tour
MHP provides thousands of low- and moderate-income families and individuals with quality affordable homes where they can thrive. Our Building Dreams tour, a one-hour experience, is a way to see our work first-hand. Each tour is held at an MHP property and explores the heart of all we do.
The tours include learning about our holistic approach to housing. You will walk the property, see facilities like Community Centers where innovative programs are happening, and hear inspiring resident stories.
Let us show you how MHP is fulfilling our mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods.
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.
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!
MHP closed its deal for The Chimes at North Bethesda, a163-unit mixed-income affordable housing project. The $7M land sale closed on August 28, marking the start of the construction phase. The total project capitalization is $86M. The deal included 4% and 9% low-income housing tax credits. The project was awarded $1M from the Rental Housing Program and a $2.2M grant from Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund. The units will be reserved for residents earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Read the full article here. Read more about the previous reporting on the project here.
Silver Spring, MD (August 28,2024) – MHP continues to collect relief funds for families impacted by the Clarksburg fire. As of August 28, 2024, the fund has reached $9,943. MHP will close the fund on September 4th and target September 6th as a key date for distributing funds to those impacted. We thank everyone who has contributed thus far.
Donations can be made by clicking here.
See video below from Montgomery Community Media:
On August 17, 2024 a fire devastated a multi-family apartment building in Montgomery County, Maryland impacting dozens of families. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, at least 25 apartment units were damaged in the 12000 block of Clarksburg Square Road in Clarksburg on Saturday, displacing approximately 45 residents.
At the request of Montgomery County, MHP is collecting financial donations to help affected families. While this is not an MHP property, we maintain close ties with the community through the many affordable housing properties we have developed in Montgomery County and are playing a role by managing financial donations to help impacted residents.
One hundred percent of donations to the fund will go to affected residents. Currently, County officials recommend that community members provide support through financial donations rather than in-kind donations of material items because residents’ needs are still being assessed. Those who wish to help can donate to the fund here.
ABOUT MHP
At MHP, we are dedicated to making home possible. Since 1989, MHP has preserved and expanded access to quality affordable housing. MHP is a private nonprofit that provides more than 2,800 homes in Montgomery County and surrounding communities. We accomplish our mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods. Learn more at mhpartners.org
Media Contact
Ilana Guttin
iguttin@mhpartners.org
301-812-4138
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!
