The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – December 2025

Housing People

Touring Unity Place Progress 

The new community center and playground at Unity Place are taking shape! We were honored to host DHCD Director Colleen Green for a recent site visit. We toured the interior and exterior of these exciting new property features and discussed other construction aspects of our largest affordable property. MHP President Robert A. Goldman and other MHP staff members were joined by project partners Bozzuto, Residential One, and JDC. This spring, we’ll officially unveil major renovations at Unity Place! 

The Residences at Forest Glen Sparkles in Silver Spring 

The Residences at Forest Glen recently came out for a meet-and-greet breakfast. They enjoyed custom omelets in the club room and had the opportunity to share feedback with property management staff. It was a wonderful way to unwind and connect! 

Did you know there are still a few apartments available at The Residences at Forest Glen? These rental homes are reserved for families and individuals earning approximately 60% of the Area Median Income. If you are interested and would like to determine if you qualify, please contact the property management office directly by visiting their website or calling their office at  (301) 264-5827.

Empowering Families

Angels for Children Toy Drive Wrapping Up Dec. 20 

Now in its 27th year, the Angels for Children Holiday Toy Drive is up and running in Montgomery County, and we’re seeking new, unwrapped gifts! Our team of elves is already collecting and organizing items for the big day. Santa is getting ready to pack his sleigh with toys, books, games, and teen items. With your support, the sleigh will be filled to the brim!  

Each year, MHP seeks new, unwrapped toy donations for low-income children and teens living in our Wheaton properties. Volunteers will wrap over 1k toys and distribute them directly to our residents on Christmas Eve.   

This year, we’ve placed 30 toy collection drop boxes throughout Montgomery County, adding 6 new locations to our list. It’s easier than ever to discover a box near you! Please drop off donations by our deadline of December 20th.  

We could not accomplish this epic undertaking without our event partners Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce and Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. Special thanks to Acorn Storage, all our box hosts, and our amazing volunteers.   

Visit the drive website to learn more.

Community Life Toy Drive  

MHP also runs a Community Life toy drive, which provides about 600 gifts for our educational enrichment program students plus a selection of children living at other MHP properties throughout Montgomery County.  With both toy drives combined, we serve 1,000+ children and teens and deliver 2,000+ gifts. We greatly appreciate the support of all our donors and partners this holiday season. Together, we are making things brighter for low-income residents in our community.  Here are a few photos from classroom holiday parties where children received their gifts. 

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Food Distributions Offer Lifeline to Seniors 

Residents at Franklin Apartments in Takoma Park enjoyed a special rotisserie chicken delivery for Thanksgiving courtesy of generous members of Bethany Church in Gaithersburg. About 20 volunteers dropped off bags and joined property management staff in giving out food to the seniors. These donations bolstered regular monthly food donations which are generously provided by Small Things Matter and Educare. Throughout the year, both nonprofits donated thousands of food items and thousands of volunteer hours serving our seniors.  

The bounty of food was appreciated by the community. The line of people wrapped around the entire lobby as they eagerly awaited meat, bread, beans, pasta, eggs, veggies, and more. Special thanks to all our food distribution partners including Small Things Matter, Educare, Manna, Capitol Area Food Bank, Charisma Charities, Bethany Church, City of Takoma Park, and others. Together, we are combatting food insecurity.  

Seeking Pembridge Food Pantry Donations 

Did you know that our resident outreach team runs a food pantry attached to our Pembridge Community Center? This small but mighty storage location can hold many nonperishable food items for residents in need. We’re seeking donations of canned goods on an ongoing basis. Please contact Fatima (fcoreas@mhpartners.org) to schedule a drop-off at the Pembridge Community Center.  Thanks for helping us provide food for the community! 

Combatting Food Insecurity with Fatima

Discover Fatima’s perspective on her work helping residents with SNAP benefits and combatting food insecurity in the latest MHP on Mic.

Building Dreams Tour

MHP’s Building Dreams tours provide a one-hour opportunity to see our work first-hand. Join Rob Goldman, Jaimee Goodman and other staff members for a deeper drive into our holistic approach and mission to expand and preserve affordable housing. RSVP and learn more by emailing Jaimee: jgoodman@mhpartners.org.

Seeking Nonperishable Donations

Did you know that our resident outreach team runs a food pantry attached to our Pembridge Community Center? This small but mighty storage location can hold many nonperishable food items for residents in need. We’re seeking donations of canned goods on an ongoing basis. Please contact Fatima (fcoreas@mhpartners.org) to schedule a drop-off at the Pembridge Community Center. Thanks for helping us provide food for the community!

The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – November 2025

Housing People

Parkview Block Party

It was a festive night at our recent resident appreciation event at Parkview Towers! Families came out to enjoy refreshments, face painting, a moon bounce, music and more. Residents connected with MHP staff, Takoma police and fire department representatives, Mobile Med providers, property management staff, and neighbors. The kids especially enjoyed going inside a real fire truck and playing ball with officers and firefighters. Many longtime residents socialized and greeted new tenants. Parkview Towers is currently under construction, with a focus on the exterior façade and minor interior improvements. These upgrades are made possible thanks to funding from Montgomery County and the State of Maryland.

Connecting with MBIA

MHP was honored to partner with the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) for a tour of The Residences at Forest Glen. Event attendees enjoyed refreshments, remarks by project partners and an in-depth tour of common areas and apartment homes at this 189-unit property in Silver Spring. The Residences at Forest Glen recently won the MBIA Best Affordable Project award. Thank you to MBIA, Bozzuto Construction Company, Grimm + Partner, and Habitat America for helping to facilitate this tour!

Empowering Families

Water Balloon Fun with GATOR

After a long day of working hard at school, sometimes kids need to let off steam and have fun! Our dedicated staff organized a spectacular water balloon fight for GATOR program students. Although they prepared two giant buckets of balloons, the battle was quick because the kids were very enthusiastic and motivated. Our Community Life programs are off to a great start for 2025!

Watch on Facebook

Watch on Instagram

Student-Produced Video Showcases Life at Greenwood

When you allow kids to be creative, their ideas take flight! Over the summer, our Community Life enrichment program students had the opportunity to conceptualize and create their own music videos. They enjoyed working together and bringing their ideas to life. This video also highlights Greenwood Terrace, one of our affordable properties in Silver Spring, MD. Check out our students’ work HERE

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Wheaton Community Cleanup

Each year, MHP engages in a special project for NeighborWorks week to enhance the community. After the first attempt was cancelled due to rain, our team recently rescheduled this year’s Amherst/Pembridge community cleanup in Wheaton. We’re thankful to the many volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to help keep our property and surrounding neighborhood sparkling! We value our partnership with NeighborWorks America, an organization that creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities.

An Impactful Summer for Maya

Discover Maya’s perspective on community development, data collection and more in our latest MHP on Mic. 

Building Dreams Tour

Join our next tour on December 3rd from 10:30 – 11:30 am at The Residences at Forest Glen!

MHP’s Building Dreams tours provide a one-hour opportunity to see our work first-hand. Join Rob Goldman, Jaimee Goodman and other staff members for a deeper drive into our holistic approach and mission to expand and preserve affordable housing. RSVP and learn more by emailing Jaimee: jgoodman@mhpartners.org.

Angels for Children Toy Drive

The annual Angels for Children Toy Drive is kicking off this month! We’re seeking new, unwrapped gifts for children and teens living in our Wheaton properties. We also have volunteer opportunities! Visit our website to learn more about how to get involved.

Seeking Nonperishable Donations

Did you know that our resident outreach team runs a food pantry attached to our Pembridge Community Center? This small but mighty storage location can hold many nonperishable food items for residents in need. We’re seeking donations of canned goods on an ongoing basis. Please contact Fatima (fcoreas@mhpartners.org) to schedule a drop-off at the Pembridge Community Center. Thanks for helping us provide food for the community!

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.

You might be a fit for our featured job openings. 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 2025

Housing People

Thought Leadership at Bisnow 

At a recent Bisnow DC panel, MHP VP of Real Estate Stephanie Roodman shared some important ways that we are leveraging partnerships to expand and preserve affordable housing in Montgomery County. Stephanie discussed tools in place that are helping us build our affordable housing pipeline, which recently grew to 3,250 homes with the acquisition of Bethany House. The deals we put together would not be possible without support from initiatives like the Nonprofit Housing Preservation Fund and partners like Montgomery County Government and DHCA, the State of Maryland and our many donors and supporters. 

Life at The Bonifant 

On our recent Building Dreams tour, we were fortunate to speak with self-described “party girl” Jan Brown. Jan is an incredible champion of our work and has volunteered countless hours as a member of our board. She was also part of helping us raise $21 million! Jan loves to tell her story about how her grandson introduced her to The Bonifant, our senior property in downtown Silver Spring. We are glad she is in our community and excited to read her book whenever it’s completed!

Watch on Facebook and on Instagram.

Empowering Families

Students Go Green

Our annual Green Club was held in August, and we had 15 eco-savvy kids join us for a week of fun, learning and protecting our planet. Each year, MHP’s Green Club gives kids an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy time with friends and dynamic staff, right in their neighborhood. This year they learned about the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle), planted seeds, decorated bird houses, enjoyed s’mores and more! Green Club is made possible thanks to funding from Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA).  

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Block Party at Unity Place 

The Unity Place summer block party was a blast! Families enjoyed inflatables, food, face painting, music, free books, crafts, and more. Career Catchers was onsite to provide support with career development and hygiene kits were generously provided by the Woman In Me Initiative. 

Unity Place is our largest property and one of two in Washington, D.C. A transformative renovation is currently underway and we’re getting closer to completing a brand-new onsite community center and large playground. Through community events, MHP staff connect with residents, provide helpful resources and learn more about the needs of our tenants. 

Long Branch Festival Brings Community Magic 

Another successful Long Branch Festival was held this month, and it was incredible! Flower Ave Urban Park came alive with a diverse lineup of free entertainment, including Cubano Groove, Bongo District, Batala Drummers, Proverbs Reggae, Eric Energy, and more. Interactive offerings like Zumba, musical chairs, salsa dancing and Lotería delighted visitors of all ages. Local restaurants and food vendors included El Golfo, El Gavilan, La Casita, Mansa Kunda, Love & Flour Bakery, Koma Coffee and others.  

Each year, MHP’s efforts draw attention to the Long Branch community, highlighting the neighborhood’s culture and enhancing its status as a destination. Long Branch Festival is a collaborative partnership between MHP and the Long Branch Business League, with additional support from Montgomery County Government, Montgomery Parks, Purple Line Transit Partners, Skypoint Federal Credit Union, Maryland Physicians Care and Cafritz Foundation.  

Addressing Food Insecurity in Takoma Park 

According to a recent Associated Press poll, about half of all Americans say the cost of groceries is a “major” source of stress in their lives right now, while 33% say it’s a “minor” source of stress. For community members making far less than the area median income, this anxiety can be even more pronounced. Each month, MHP distributes food in Takoma Park at our Gilbert Highlands property. For our residents, most of whom are low- or moderate-income, food donations play an essential role in nutrition and balancing budgets. Thank you to the City of Takoma Park, MD – Municipal Government for providing funds to support these food distributions and to Chrisma Charities for providing the food. We could not do this important work without your support and resources. 

Seeking Pembridge Food Pantry Donations

Did you know that our resident outreach team runs a food pantry attached to our Pembridge Community Center? This small but mighty storage location can hold many nonperishable food items for residents in need. We’re seeking donations of canned goods on an ongoing basis. Please contact Fatima (fcoreas@mhpartners.org) to schedule a drop-off at the Pembridge Community Center.  Thanks for helping us provide food for the community! 

Building Dreams Tour

Building Dreams Tours provide an opportunity to view an MHP property, meet with our staff, and gain insights into our work and mission. Want to learn more? Email 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.

You might be a fit for our featured job openings. 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 2025

Housing People

Bethany House: Preserving 250 Affordable Senior Apartments 

In major news, MHP has added Bethany House apartment building to our portfolio, preserving 250 affordable homes for seniors near the Twinbrook Metro station in Rockville, MD! The project will allow low-income seniors to age in place in their community, near transit connections, shops, recreational amenities, healthcare providers, and more. It fulfills MHP’s mission-driven goal to prevent resident displacement and preserve existing affordable housing for the long term rather than losing it to market-rate housing.  MHP can secure the property’s deep affordability thanks to the support of funding partners including the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs Nonprofit Preservation Fund. This acquisition provides stable housing for low-income seniors who could otherwise face displacement.  

“This project aligns with our mission of preserving critically needed affordable homes along public transit corridors, where residents can access numerous amenities and conveniences,” said MHP President Robert A. Goldman. “We are grateful to our funding partners for supporting this major effort to ensure housing stability for seniors in our community.” 

Read the full story here.  

A Grand Celebration in Forest Glen 

Last month’s ribbon cutting and donor reception was a grand celebration! Together, we developed 189 affordable homes from the ground up at The Residences at Forest Glen. The stylish new building lobby and community center set the stage for networking, live jazz, refreshments and property tours. Inside remarks were led by resident and board member Jan Brown and tours featured the Grimm+Parker and Bozzuto teams. Outdoor remarks featured County Executive Elrich, Secretary Day, Councilmembers Fani-Gonzalez and Friedson, and our partners from J.P. Morgan, and Enterprise. Property resident Nina Teasley shared an inspiring and relatable story about her challenges trying to find affordable housing and ultimately landing with MHP. It was a festive day, and we thank everyone for their support and partnership. 

Watch NBC4 Washington’s coverage of the event. 

Empowering Families

Expo Showcases Student Learning 

Our Takoma Park summer enrichment program students took part in an expo, a special exhibition in which they showcased what they learned and shared their knowledge with staff judges. The curriculum was fun and educational, encompassing elements like fashion design, self-portraits, nutrition facts, journal writing, music video creation, and more. Check out some of our students’ work and our festive judges.  

Lemonade Stand Imparts the Gift of Giving 

This month, students in Silver Spring hosted an epic lemonade stand and raised $653 for Montgomery County Partners for Animal Wellbeing (McPaw)! Through this collaborative activity, children learned the importance of working together and giving back. Local police officers, partners, and community members stopped by to show their support for the kids and the cause.  

Tools for School Success 

This year’s backpack drive was a success! We served 16 Community Life classrooms plus 6 additional MHP properties. Many individual and corporate donors dedicated time and treasure to support our students. Now we are confident that these kids are going to be stylish and prepared when school begins next week. Thank you to everyone who donated! 

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Support for Those Impacted by Wayne Manchester Flood 

An unmarked utility line encountered during Purple Line construction work led to a water main break that flooded two floors of the Wayne Manchester Towers Apartments in the Long Branch neighborhood on July 25, 2025. The emergency impacted 20 families and displaced 50 individuals. Several of the impacted families lost belongings and need to find a new home. 

This is not an MHP property. However, at the request of the Montgomery County Government and with support from the Purple Line team, MHP is mobilizing funds to support the families impacted. Consider making a donation here to help families with direct cash assistance. 100% of the money will go to those impacted. Thank you for lending a hand to our neighbors! 

Read a detailed article in Bethesda Today about MHP’s role and the overall situation.    

Senior Spa Day 

Some of our residents at The Franklin senior apartments in Takoma Park recently enjoyed a day of indulgence thanks to our Neighborhoods team and a partner from Mary Kay. She demonstrated a skincare routine for residents and shared tips for self-care. Participants received vouchers for free perfume. Sometimes, it’s important to relax and rejuvenate! 

Seeking Pembridge Food Pantry Donations 

Did you know that our resident outreach team runs a food pantry attached to our Pembridge Community Center? This small but mighty storage location can hold many nonperishable food items for residents in need. We’re seeking donations of canned goods on an ongoing basis. Please contact Fatima (fcoreas@mhpartners.org) to schedule a drop-off at the Pembridge Community Center.  Thanks for helping us provide food for the community! 

Building Dreams 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. Our next tour is scheduled for September 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Bonifant.

RSVP by contacting Jaimee Goodman at jgoodman@mhpartners.org or by phone at 301-812-4118.

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.

You might be a fit for our featured job openings. 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!