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!
Silver Spring, MD (August 20, 2024) – MHP and Montgomery County today announced the launch of a relief fund for families impacted by the Clarksburg fire.
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.
Over the years, MHP has managed similar efforts on behalf of Montgomery County. The most recent effort was in February 2023 following a fire outbreak at a high-rise apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring. That incident resulted in one fatality and injuries to multiple residents, as well as the displacement of hundreds of residents.
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
MHP has been named among the awardees of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Restore 2.0. This project is part of the state’s nearly $2.9 million initiative comprising three programs aimed at assisting small businesses and supporting local revitalization projects and activities in the Capital Region.
Project Restore seeks to activate vacant buildings, support small businesses, and increase local economic activity by providing financial support to improve the vitality of Maryland’s commercial corridors.
Chris Gillis, MHP’s Director of Policy and Neighborhood Development, said the nonprofit developer was thrilled to be a recipient of this grant awards. He stated, “The grant funds will enable MHP to make improvements to the interior of the historic Flower Theatre in the Long Branch neighborhood of Silver Spring and breathe new life into a cherished community space.”
For more details on the state’s announcement, click here.
To learn more about MHP’s efforts in revitalizing the Flower Theatre, click here.
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!
