MHP is working to expand our residents’ access to technology. This includes partnering with Comcast, which offers free and discounted broadband Internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). ACP is a governmental subsidy program that provides eligible low-income households with a credit up to $30 per month toward the cost of Internet and/or mobile service. MHP has been sharing this information with our residents to make them aware of the ACP program.
MHP President Robert A. Goldman talked to Greater Greater Washington about the potential impacts of the Purple Line on the availability of naturally occurring, market-rate affordable housing, particularly in communities like Long Branch and Langley Park.
Read more here.
MHP was proud to host a County Executive Candidates Forum at the Long Branch Community Center on June 29. The session was co-sponsored by the Long Branch Business League, Community CHEER, and the Sligo Branview Community Association. More than 125 people attended. The session featured community resident moderators. Participating candidates were David Blair, Marc Elrich, Peter James, Hans Riemer, and Shelly Skolnick. They responded to questions from the community about quality-of-life issues, including traffic, safety, and access to affordable housing.
MHP’s Residences at Forest Glen project is one of 10 affordable housing initiatives in the Washington, DC, region that has been selected by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to receive grant funds from the new Housing Affordability Planning Program (HAPP). The program is administered by COG and backed by the Amazon Housing Equity Fund to advance initiatives to build affordable housing in transit-oriented communities.
Residences at Forest Glen will receive $75,000 for predevelopment expenses like building permits and entitlements. The 72-unit, three-story apartments in Silver Spring will be redeveloped into five-story buildings with 189 multifamily residential units to increase affordability.
A Washington Business Journal article describing the Amazon initiative is here (subscription required).
A Bisnow panel focused on how to spur development and job growth in Montgomery County included MHP Vice President of Real Estate Artie Harris.
Harris noted that the Montgomery County officials are ramping up efforts to expand affordable housing access through specific initiatives. These include offering county-owned sites for redevelopment and offering Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) options for projects that reserve a portion of housing units for moderate and low-income residents. “I think it’s a big priority now,” Harris said.
The full Bisnow story is available here.
You can view the story online here (free but registration is required).
MHP has been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for our work helping residents improve their homes’ efficiency and reduce their energy costs. In collaboration with Montgomery County’s Montgomery Energy Connection (MEC), we provided more than 4,000 income-qualifying residents with in-person and virtual presentations, resources, and energy efficiency devices/technology to help them love where they live.
MEC and MHP created two programs to help residents: the Happy, Healthy Homes initiative hand-delivered 1,700 welcome bags of resources to help residents keep money in their pockets and live happier and healthier lives; and the “Love Where You Live” initiative provided customized home comfort kits to residents along with virtual energy education.
Read more about it here.
MHP is proud to be recognized by the Affordable Housing Conference (AHC) of Montgomery County as 2022 Housing Partner of the Year.
The award is presented to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated leadership in developing safe, decent and affordable housing, and dedication to meeting the full needs of residents and families in Montgomery County. AHC Executive Director Diana Eisenstat said, “Rob Goldman and his team are fierce advocates for their residents and leaders in the affordable housing development community in Montgomery County.” She noted, “Government leaders across the state seek MHP’s input on policy matters. This perspective has been invaluable in helping elected and other housing officials respond to the housing crisis during COVID.”
MHP President Robert Goldman accepted the award at the 31st Annual Affordable Housing Summit on May 20. Chris Gillis, MHP Policy and Neighborhood Development Director, participated in a panel, “Looming Eviction Crisis in Our Own Backyard,” along with other affordable housing industry professionals and elected officials.
Nearly $500,000 in funds have been distributed to families affected by the catastrophic March 3 explosion and fire at the Friendly Garden Apartments in Silver Spring through a collaborative effort involving governmental agencies and nonprofits, including MHP.
The dedicated relief fund, which totals more than $700,000 thanks to generous donors, is being managed by MHP. One hundred percent of donations are going to affected families to cover costs and damage resulting from the explosion/fire.
MHP anticipates closing the Friendly Garden relief fund by the end of May. Those interested in contributing to the fund should complete their donations by May 31. Learn more here.
