MHP will join with the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy, New Columbia Solar, and District of Columbia leaders at a solar panel installation event on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Crescent Park Village (CPV) Apartments in the Bellevue neighborhood of Southeast Washington, DC. The (CPV) community was developed by MHP and provides 110 quality affordable homes.
The event kicks off National Clean Energy Week and celebrates the community’s participation in the DC “Solar for All” program. That program is dedicated to bringing the benefits of solar to DC residents, providing clean energy and reducing utility bills.
A media release on the event is here.
The popular Long Branch Festival in Silver Spring kicks off on Friday, September 10, at 5 pm. Highlights include music, dancing, two streeteries with beer and food, and activities and performances for the whole family.
The chance to come out to celebrate the community and culture of Long Branch is especially welcome after the many challenges that small businesses faced during COVID. It is also a chance for people unfamiliar with the Long Branch neighborhood to become new fans.
“The festival celebration is a great opportunity for the businesses and the community to connect on a personal level and recognize that we are together in these difficult times,” said Carlos Perozo, owner of ZP Tax preparation service and president of the Long Branch Business League. “It is also an opportunity for the community to know all the services the business community has to offer so they don’t need to go elsewhere to receive those services.”
Ada Villatoro, owner of the popular Latin restaurant El Golfo, said, “This is an opportunity to come together and celebrate our diversity.” She also noted, “It’s an opportunity to promote our businesses to people who have never been to this part of Silver Spring.”
The festival is a collaboration involving MHP, Discover Long Branch/Long Branch Business League, Montgomery Planning, Montgomery Parks, and Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Dates: Friday, Sept. 10, 5-9 pm
Saturday, Sept. 11, 1-8 pm
And Sunday, Sept. 12, 4-6 pm
Location: various locations near the intersection of Flower Avenue and Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring
Get a map and detailed schedule here. Park at 8740 Arliss Street.
MHP President Robert A. Goldman praised Montgomery County’s plan to seek additional funding for emergency rental support due to COVID-19. In Sept. 29 testimony to the Montgomery County Council, Goldman said, “We appreciate the County Executive and County Council pursuing every available option to provide rental assistance to residents, and keeping every resident stably housed during this public health crisis.” The County is expected to pursue state Community Block Development Grant money to fund emergency rental assistance. Goldman described many residents’ ongoing financial distress, noting, “Despite all of the public and private resources that are available to our residents, many continue to be multiple months behind in their rent and will never be able to pay their back rent if not for outside assistance.”
Read his full statement here.
Students enrolled in MHP’s Great Hope Homes summer enrichment program were tasked with researching and recreating a rainforest of their choice, depicting ecosystems that included South America, Africa and Asia. Lead teacher Corles Fredericks said, “The project had to be solely their creation,” adding, “I decided to keep all work private to allow students to create freely without peer pressure from seeing the work of their peers.” She noted this gave the students an opportunity to express themselves freely, making their work creative and age appropriate.
Students built dioramas populated with vegetation and animals. They were asked to present to their classmates and teachers what they had learned by sharing details and fun facts, with the number of required facts geared toward the age level.
Abigail, a second grader, was the first place winner. First graders Haronie and Amne came in 2nd place. Kidus, a 3rd grader, shared a 2nd place win along with his brother Haronie. Ms. Corles noted that older brother Kerod, a graduate of the enrichment program who now is in middle school, was so excited while watching his brothers build their project that he asked if he could join in! Kerod added a finishing detail to his brothers’ project along with a few facts. Helen and her brother Leke, 4th and 6th graders, placed third, and Mercedes, a 2nd grader, also placed third.
All students, including big brother Kerod, will receive a gift bag of goodies for participating no matter where they finished in the competition. Ms. Corles noted, “There are no losers in our program!”
With some help from community partners, MHP teachers developed creative programming to provide young learners with an enriching summer camp experience while meeting requirements to socially distance. Take a look at the video to learn more. One of those experiences for MHP Great Hope Homes students was creating their own rainforests. Learn more here.