MHP is partnering with the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), a leading non-profit educational organization based in Kensington, MD, to provide expanded programming serving parents and children who live in MHP communities.
The partnership is made possible through a $72,576 grant from the Children’s Opportunity Fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. The grant will be used to strengthen the resiliency, mental wellness and school readiness of children who reside in MHP housing by providing parenting education and support to their parents and caregivers. PEP will offer two sets of six-week classes that together deliver its award-winning, evidence-based core curriculum to over 100 families at three MHP locations, to benefit nearly 300 children.
A media release is here.
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.
