Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Takoma Park, middle school students in MHP’s Future Leaders of the World (FLOW) summer program created a mural for the Sligo View community center. The project was guided by artist Arturo Ho in partnership with Carpe Diem Arts. We are grateful to all who supported the program and joined us for the big reveal of the mural, including Takoma Park City Councilmember Jarrett Smith, representing Ward 5. One of the young artists was asked how the mural made him feel. “It brings me joy,” he said.
MHP President Robert Goldman reflected on the organization’s 30-year history in advancing the cause of affordable housing in the County. He made his comments in an appearance on Montgomery Community Media’s “Montgomery Week in Review” public affairs program.
MHP is proud to announce its latest acquisition: Worthington Woods Apartments in Washington, DC. This is MHP first property located in the District. Worthington Woods, located at 4419 3rd St SE, provides 394 units. This brings the total of affordable homes provided by MHP to over 2,000! Learn more about the Worthington Woods acquisition, which was announced at a news conference with DC Mayor Murial Bowser, here.
MHP President Robert A. Goldman joined members of Montgomery County Council, County officials and community representatives in celebrating the end of the Metro “turnback” policy, which meant half of Red Line trains stopped at the Silver Spring Metro station and turned back, rather than continuing on to serve riders trying to get to the Wheaton, Forest Glen and Glenmont stations. WMATA recently agreed to end the long-standing policy, which was extending commutes and negatively affecting the quality of life for area residents, including those living in MHP’s affordable homes.
Here is his statement at a media event on July 1:
MHP’s 2019 Norman Christeller Golf Classic included a golf clinic for middle-school-aged residents who take part in MHP youth programs. Proceeds from the golf tournament help fund MHP student enrichment programs.
Owners and managers of small apartment buildings learned about ways to conserve energy, protect the environment, and save money at a “Going Green” seminar presented by the MHP Apartment Assistance Program, an effort supported by Montgomery County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Many thanks to El Golfo restaurant in Long Branch for hosting.
Here are links to three presentations from the seminar:
Going Green Tips from Montgomery County DEP
EmPower Maryland PEPCO Presentation – Energy Savings for Small Businesses
Montgomery County Green Bank Presentation — Clean Energy Partnerships
MHP has many green projects underway as we celebrate Earth Month 2019. One of these is the annual Long Branch Cleanup of Sligo Creek in Silver Spring. A big crowd of volunteers removed many bags of trash and recyclables, and also removed invasive species from the banks of the creek. MHP’s Paul Grenier talks about why the community cleanup project is important:
The Montgomery County Council’s budget deliberations are in full swing and we need you to be a champion for programs that support affordable housing in the county. Access to quality, affordable housing serves as an important source of stability for our neighbors who face economic challenges.
On Wednesday, April 24, the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) committees will take up the budget for the County’s housing trust fund, known as the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF). The County Executive has recommended a total of $27 million for housing production, a decrease of $1 million from last year. Even more concerning is that approximately 75% of the funds have already been committed to projects, leaving the county with very few resources to build or preserve affordable housing in the coming fiscal year. To ensure preservation and creation of affordable housing remains a top priority in Montgomery County we are requesting the County Council increase funding for the HIF by $8 million.
At the local level, emails from residents often prove to be the deciding factor in budget decisions. It is critical that Councilmembers hear from YOU on this issue before Wednesday as the committee’s recommendation will carry substantial weight with the full Council.
We want all Montgomery County residents to have the chance to flourish. Expanding affordable housing in mixed income, high opportunity areas provides access to better economic, educational, and health outcomes for community members who have been historically shut out of thriving neighborhoods.
Please email the Council to let them know that you care about residents having access to affordable housing and support additional resources for the HIF.
TAKE ACTION:
We’ve made it easy for you; all you have to do is click here and a pre-populated email will open. Simply add your name and address to the bottom of the email and press ‘Send’!
Residents of The Bonifant, MHP’s quality, affordable senior housing in downtown Silver Spring, have access to a wide array of activities and celebrations that help create a sense of community. Residents recently celebrated National Sing Out Day with a rousing karaoke session:
MHP President Robert Goldman asked the Montgomery County Council to provide more funding for acquisition and preservation of affordable housing in the FY2020 budget. He also asked the council to consider supporting MHP’s Play & Learn preschool program, which he noted “directly aligns with the county’s goal of ensuring that all of our children enter school ready to learn.” Goldman made his comments in April 10 testimony before the Montgomery County Council.
Read the complete text of his testimony here.
