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JULY 2024 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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!  

 

 

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MHP and Montgomery County Launch Relief Fund for Families Impacted by Clarksburg Fire

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

 

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MHP Among Maryland State’s Project Restore 2.0 Awardees

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.

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JUNE 2024 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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!  

 

 

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MAY 2024 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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!

 

 

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MHP Receives $1 Million Grant from Citi Foundation

(Silver Spring, MD)   MHP recently received a $1 million unrestricted grant from the Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Initiative, a program that supports visionary organizations that are working to connect low-income communities to greater social and economic opportunity. MHP will use this substantial funding to preserve and expand affordable housing across the DMV region in alignment with its mission of housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods.

MHP was one of five nonprofits based in the greater Washington, D.C. area selected as part of the initiative’s fourth cohort through an open request for proposals (RFP) process, which focused on organizations working in the areas of affordable housing and access, economic development, financial health and workforce readiness. MHP will combine their local expertise and track record of community impact with a national network of resources and changemakers, which will accelerate their community-based work.

“We’re proud to be among the Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers,” said Robert A. Goldman, President of MHP. “This funding allows us to expand quality affordable housing for thousands of people in a region that is facing an affordable housing crisis. As the largest nonprofit real estate developer in Montgomery County, we are committed to serving low-income residents, and with the Foundation’s generous funding and extensive resources, we can amplify our impact.”

This news follows MHP’s recent announcement of a bold new campaign to make home possible for all, with a goal of doubling its impact by 2030. MHP’s affordable housing pipeline has been active and in 2023 alone, it completed the construction of Colonnade at the Creek, a 96-unit garden-style property in Takoma Park; broke ground on The Residences at Forest Glen, a 189-unit ground-up redevelopment in Silver Spring; broke ground on renovations at Worthington Woods, a 395-unit apartment in DC; completed the North Frederick Apartments financial close; and approved the sketch plan for the upcoming Amherst Square / Wheaton Arts partnership deal.

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, MHP continues to provide wraparound support for children and families through its Community Life programs, in addition to supportive outreach to residents and businesses. The organization also leads affordable housing advocacy efforts throughout the region. MHP was named 2023 Nonprofit Developer of the Year by Washington Business Journal award.

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

About The City Foundation’s Community Progress Makers

With the support of the Citi Foundation, Community Progress Makers expand their work on affordable housing and access, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness. The Foundation also provides a supportive community network through which these organizations can connect to learn from each other, share best practices and strengthen their roles as social change agents. For more information, please visit citifoundation.com/cpm and follow the impact these organizations are making at #ProgressMakers on social media.

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MHP Launches Bold Campaign to Double Affordable Housing

Silver Spring, MD, May 8, 2024 – Nonprofit affordable housing developer MHP has officially launched a bold new $20M campaign to double its impact by the end of the decade, activating a plan to expand and preserve more affordable housing in Montgomery County, MD and across the DMV. As of today, MHP has raised $15.8M, 79% of its goal.

The campaign motto is Making Home Possible for All, reflecting the many people who need affordable housing – from seniors to single adults to working couples with children. Each person is part of a diverse mosaic that makes up a community, and housing is a basic yet essential human need that we can work together to fulfill. MHP is making it happen.

MHP President Robert A. Goldman officially announced the campaign last night at a reception at El Golfo restaurant in the heart of the Long Branch community. He expressed his gratitude to supporters stating, “Today, while we continue to raise more funds each year, we are still facing an uncertain time with potential government cutbacks and rapidly rising living costs. Thank you to all of those who have supported, and are considering supporting, MHP as we continue to provide gold standard programs for our residents despite these growing challenges.”

As it celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, MHP is further strengthening its solid track record of managing the acquisition and rehabilitation of multi-family affordable housing properties and providing services for more than 16,000 residents since its inception.

In 2023 alone, MHP completed the construction of Colonnade at the Creek, a 96-unit garden-style property in Takoma Park; broke ground on The Residences at Forest Glen, a 189-unit ground-up redevelopment in Silver Spring; broke ground on renovations at Worthington Woods, a 395-unit apartment in DC; completed the North Frederick Apartments financial close; and approved the sketch plan for the upcoming Amherst Square / Wheaton Arts partnership deal.

In addition to a focus on expanding and preserving affordable housing, MHP remains committed to enhancing opportunities for its residents through its award-winning Community Life educational enrichment programs and targeted outreach programs that serve residents facing challenges.

MHP’s property acquisitions, renovations, and wraparound programs are made possible through the support of thousands of generous donors and funding partners. MHP aims to raise $20 million by December 31st to reach its goal of doubling its impact by 2030. Visit mhpartners.org/possible to learn more about how you can help.

 

About MHP 

MHP is dedicated to making home possible. Since 1989, the organization has been preserving and expanding access to quality affordable housing. MHP is a private nonprofit that provides more than 2,800 homes in Montgomery County, MD, and surrounding communities. It accomplishes its mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods.  Learn more at mhpartners.org.  

Media Contact

Ilana Guttin

Communications and Volunteer Manager

iguttin@mhpartners.org

301.812.4138

 

Download the press release here

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APRIL 2024 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – April 2024

Housing People

Progress at Worthington Woods

Located in Washington, D.C. Ward 8, Worthington Woods is our largest property. After a recent groundbreaking and renovation celebration, construction is well underway and soon residents will enjoy updated, modernized homes along with a new playground and community center. Take a peek inside an apartment that was recently renovated down to the studs and view the rendering for the new community playground.

Empowering Families

Under the Sea Experience Delights MHP Students

The National Aquarium is a jewel of our region, but it’s far from Montgomery County, and it’s cost-prohibitive for many low-income families. Most of our Play & Learn preschool students have never been there before. Thanks to special grant funding from PNC Bank and Montgomery County Children’s Opportunity Alliance, 77 preschool-age students recently visited the museum with MHP staff. The children were completely wowed by the magical creatures living in our oceans. From delicate jellyfish to intimidating sharks, students enjoyed exploring and learning more about animals and their habitats.

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Gift Pantry Supports Residents in Wheaton

Even with the benefit of affordable housing, some families still struggle to make ends meet. Food prices have risen since 2020 due to a combination of factors, including inflation, labor costs, supply chain challenges, and global conflicts. Often, salary increases do not keep up with these increases and working families face difficult budget decisions. MHP’s resident outreach team helps in a variety of ways. For example, we recently held a pop-up pantry at Pembridge Square apartments. Runway for a Cause brought free household items, toys, and clothing. The event helped more than 50 families.

Featured Video

Community Makers Series

There are many people making a difference at MHP. In our new Community Makers series, we hear from Stefan, who was greatly impacted by the work he did during his AmeriCorps stint. Stefan saw first-hand how critical affordable housing is in our region, and how great the need is for the services we provide. Watch here.

Upcoming Events

Cinco de Mayo

You are invited to experience Cinco de Mayo in Long Branch! Join us May 3 – May 5 for a weekend of celebration – music, dancing, and margaritas. While you are there, explore the local restaurants and check out specials/Happy Hour deals.

Purchase your mug at the MHP merch tent and join us for our “Margarita” Crawl all weekend. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available. We hope you will come out and join us for this Long Branch Business League initiative to support our restaurants.

Free event! All are welcome.

More Info: here

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. 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!

 

 

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March 2024 Monthly Newsletter

The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – March 2024

Housing People

Honoring Women

Did you know that in the summer of 1988, Peg McRory, a housing activist, gathered a number of friends and acquaintances together around her dining room table to search for solutions to the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County? This was a major moment in the creation of MHP.

As we celebrate our 35th anniversary and honor Women’s History Month, we reflect on the critical role women have played in MHP’s foundation and the important work they are doing today.

Advocacy in Action

MHP recently joined other mission-driven organizations in Annapolis for Maryland Affordable Housing Day. Our robust team met with elected officials and expressed the need to approve the proposed Capital Budget related to Rental Housing Works and other important affordable housing funding measures.

Nonprofit Developer of the Year – Washington Business Journal

MHP is thrilled to announce that we have been named Nonprofit Developer of the Year by the Washington Business Journal.

In 2023, we achieved many affordable housing development milestones and are proud to provide homes for almost 3,000 families in Montgomery County and beyond.  Many of our latest developments preserve or create apartments along the Purple Line corridor, preventing displacement of moderate- and low-income residents.

Big things are happening!

Read more here.

Empowering Families

Day of Love

Our Community Life staff recently celebrated Valentines Day with students and families, spreading love and promoting positivity in their classrooms. They enjoyed exchanging cards, eating treats, and showing appreciation for their friends, teachers, and families.

Wellness for Seniors

MHP provides affordable housing for more than 1,200 seniors. Many of our older residents live at The Bonifant or Franklin Apartments, both of which serve seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. We also have seniors interspersed throughout other properties. Supportive programs can enhance the lives of seniors and keep them feeling connected. These include birthday gatherings, yoga, coffee hour, and more.

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Community Health Leadership – Fatima

MHP’s outreach team is at the forefront of resident support.

As a Salvadoran migrant, Fatima Coreas has experienced first-hand the struggle of moving to a new country and not knowing the language, a challenge that many of our residents also face.

Fatima was recently promoted to the role of Community Engagement Team Leader, an expanded position that will allow her to oversee a new health initiative. Fatima will use her expertise to train and employ residents to become Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the communities where they live. The CHW program will connect residents with health resources at MHP’s Amherst/Pembridge communities in Wheaton, MD.

Fatima aspires to be an instrument of change and help other immigrants in vulnerable circumstances, connecting them with health resources and other programs that can positively impact their lives.

Flower Theatre Highlighted on NBC

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate the Flower Theatre’s façade reconstruction. In case you missed it, NBC stopped by to celebrate this milestone. Watch an interview with Policy and Neighborhood Development Director Chris Gillis and another with MHP President Robert A. Goldman.

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!

 

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Housing People

Empowering Families

Strengthening Neighborhoods