The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – August 2026
Empowering Families
Expo Showcases Student Creativity
For the last three summers, our Community Life students have participated in an expo to showcase their accomplishments. This summer’s projects focused on business ideation, fashion design, and video production. Students accomplished a lot in one month! Their portfolios included collage-style fashion designs, handmade wallets, business posters, and fully choreographed music videos. MHP Program Manager Emeli Oliva explained to our expo judges what this year’s theme was all about. Watch her video here
Green Clubs Keep Summer Sustainable
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ~ Rachel Carson
This year’s Green Clubs were held at Glenville Road apartments and Great Hope Homes. Students enjoyed activities and crafts that connected them to the beauty and importance of the natural world. Thank you to Nikki and the Great Hope students for decorating special donor gifts for our upcoming ribbon cutting for The Chimes at North Bethesda!
Planning New Programs at Unity Place
Now that Unity Place has a community center thanks to a recent major renovation, MHP is working to establish programs there for elementary school-age students. One of our staff members spent the summer connecting with families to learn more about how we can provide supportive programs at the property. Check out these photos of the new Evelyn Harrison Community Center. Soon, it will be filled with students and programs will be activated.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Partners in Piñata-Making
We are excited to celebrate the completion of our eight-week piñata-making program. What started as a workshop at Glenville Road continued at Greenwood Terrace, bringing residents together to learn, create, develop a marketable skill, and build community. All participants expressed that the community center space became their safe heaven. This program was made possible through our partnership with Impact Silver Spring.
Cuts for Cuties
More than 100 local children had the opportunity to start the school year feeling their best with a free haircut at the Long Branch Main Street Cuts for Cuties event. This event was open to children 12 years old and under. Thank you to Flower Barber Shop for partnering with us to make this annual tradition possible and give students confidence for the new year.
Housing People
Now Leasing: The Chimes at North Bethesda
Our architecture partner Hord Coplan Macht shared some amazing new photos of The Chimes at North Bethesda, which is now leasing. If you or someone you know is interested in living at The Chimes, please visit this website to learn more.
Paving the Way to Opportunity
Amherst is one of the most ambitious affordable housing developments in MHP’s history. The new community will bring 272 affordable apartment homes, 39 affordable for-sale townhomes, a community center, and an arts and cultural center to the heart of Wheaton. To keep this transformative project and other critical housing initiatives moving forward, MHP must raise $150,000 in unrestricted support by this fall. Your generosity will help provide stable, affordable homes, empower families through resident services and educational programs, and strengthen neighborhoods across our region. Consider making a gift and seeing your message on a paver at Amherst! https://mhpartners.org/pavetheway/
Join Us for a 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. Let us show you how MHP is fulfilling our mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods.
Our next tour is on September 30th at The Residences at Forest Glen. Please email Jaimee to learn more and RSVP: jgoodman@mhpartners.org
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – July 2026
Housing People
Inside The Chimes at North Bethesda
We recently obtained new photos from The Chimes at North Bethesda and wow, are they gorgeous! Check out this 163-unit affordable apartment building. There are even ducks swimming in the stream that we restored as part of the project. If you or someone you know is interested in living at The Chimes, please visit this website to learn more. We’re planning to hold the grand opening in September, but lease-ups are starting soon!
Nestled just half a mile from the North Bethesda Metro, this community places you at the heart of it all—whether it’s hopping on the metro, exploring nearby shops, dining at Pike & Rose, or enjoying top-tier schools, you’re always just minutes away from everything you need. The Chimes is packed with perks! Picture yourself enjoying a modern community center, versatile classrooms, a breezy outdoor deck for relaxing, and an onsite leasing office ready to meet your needs. With career opportunities, entertainment, and the city just outside your door, The Chimes at North Bethesda is more than just home—it’s your launchpad for living life to the fullest. Apply at Thechimesatnorthbethesda.com or call 301-272-3400 to learn more.
Paving the Way to Opportunity
Amherst is one of the most ambitious affordable housing developments in MHP’s history. The new community will bring 272 affordable apartment homes, 39 affordable for-sale townhomes, a community center, and an arts and cultural center to the heart of Wheaton. To keep this transformative project and other critical housing initiatives moving forward, MHP must raise $150,000 in unrestricted support by this fall. Your generosity will help provide stable, affordable homes, empower families through resident services and educational programs, and strengthen neighborhoods across our region. Consider making a gift and seeing your message on a paver at Amherst! https://mhpartners.org/pavetheway/
Empowering Families
Summer State of Mind
Camps are going strong this year, serving our preschoolers, elementary students, and teens. The highlights have been time with friends, activities, sports, games, snacks, and trips. Our dedicated staff have thought of everything, making sure this summer is an opportunity for growth and fun. Each day, children pack their bags with hats, sunscreen, lunches, and water bottles, leaving a special place in their hearts for new memories. Thank you to all our donors and partners for making this possible, especially our recent anonymous donor who supported extra GATOR trips like Bubble Planet and the Spy Museum.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Introducing… Long Branch Main Street!
It was an honor to welcome Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, and many other community leaders to the stage for the big announcement of Long Branch’s Maryland Main Street designation.
What makes Long Branch special is not just its colorful murals, vibrant events, or outstanding locally owned restaurants and shops. It is the people. Long Branch is a welcoming, diverse, family-friendly community where neighbors support one another and where small businesses are at the heart of community life. MHP has been engaging in community development work since 2011 and today, thanks to the support of so many partners, our efforts have truly paid off. With new resources from Main Street Maryland plus the soon-to-be-completed Purple Line stop nearby, even more people can experience all that Long Branch has to offer.
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – June 2026
Housing People
Paving the Way to Opportunity
Amherst is one of the most ambitious affordable housing developments in MHP’s history. The new community will bring 272 affordable apartment homes, 39 affordable for-sale townhomes, a community center, and an arts and cultural center to the heart of Wheaton. To keep this transformative project and other critical housing initiatives moving forward, MHP must raise $150,000 in unrestricted support by this fall. Your generosity will help provide stable, affordable homes, empower families through resident services and educational programs, and strengthen neighborhoods across our region. Consider making a gift and seeing your message on a paver at Amherst! https://mhpartners.org/pavetheway/
District 18 Delegation Support for Amherst
MHP was thrilled to host the MD District 18 Delegation for the presentation of a big check in Wheaton! Thanks to the advocacy of our local elected officials, MHP will receive $650,000 towards the construction of our new offices, which will be inside of the redeveloped Amherst property. In just a few years, we’ll have more office space to implement programs that fulfill our important mission. Thank you to MD State Delegates Aaron Kaufman, Emily Shetty, Jared Solomon and MD Senator Jeffrey Waldstreicher and others for making this funding possible.
Empowering Families
Hats Off to Our Grads
Our Community Life program graduates touched many hearts again this year. Watching children walk down the aisle to the song Pomp and Circumstance was an uplifting sight. We smiled, laughed, and sometimes cried happy tears thinking about all that they accomplished. The students sang, danced, received certificates, read poems, wore caps and gowns and enjoyed food with their families. MHP staff worked hard all year, and Community Life graduation day was the culmination of all their efforts. We know the students will be ready as they transition to kindergarten, middle school, and high school. Please enjoy a few photo highlights below from this year’s graduation ceremonies.
Watch a video of our Play and Learn grads performing a special song!
Strengthening Neighborhoods
NeighborWorks Week at Great Hope Homes
This year, we were fortunate to have more than twenty volunteers from NeighborWorks America join us for a playground refresh at our property Great Hope Homes in Silver Spring. The sensational group planted 120 begonias, scrubbed two playgrounds, installed a web swing, touched up paint, and did some light weeding. Our property looks beautiful thanks to the support and partnership of NeighborWorks America.
La Finca Opens in Long Branch Main Street
In response to community requests for the return of a neighborhood coffee shop, La Finca Coffee pop-up is now up and running! Next year, we hope to undertake the permanent buildout of space for the coffee shop as well as other site improvements to create a great gathering space for the community and incubate the next generation of legacy businesses in Long Branch. La Finca resides at MHP’s first commercial property, located at 8807 Flower Ave. Special shout out to the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development for their tremendous support.
In Other News
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
May was Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. MHP staff celebrated the occasion with an array of foods from local restaurant Shanghai Home. Thank you to our colleague Celine for selecting dishes from her culture and sharing details about them with our staff. We always enjoy connecting and learning over food!
Congressman Raskin’s Local Hero Award
Rob Goldman was recently recognized as a local hero by Congressman Jamie Raskin. Congressman Raskin said of Rob, “I associate you very much, Rob, with that holistic communal view of what housing means. It’s not just about putting up a building, but it’s about helping to shape a way of life that makes sense for people and to build in all of the ingredients that lead to a viable community life. So, look, thank you for what you’ve done.” Thank you to Congressman Raskin for his kind words and this honor. Watch the video here.
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – May 2026
Housing People
It’s all in the Bags!
When it comes to serving residents, it’s all in the bags! Special thanks to Lisa Cooley and her students at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Olney. They decorated bags, wrote special notes, and donated useful items for 50 of our residents at Unity Place. The bags will be reserved primarily for our Permanent Supportive Housing residents, many of whom have experienced being unhoused. Great work, St. Peter’s students!
Unity Place Ribbon Cutting
It’s official – we’ve cut the ribbon at Unity Place! Thanks to this project, 394 homes have been preserved as affordable and renovated. Now, families can enjoy a brand-new community center named after Evelyn Harrison, one of the property’s founding tenant association members. At the event, project partners were joined onstage by several residents, including Brenda Terry, who shared her moving and poignant story of resilience. We are grateful to the many partners who made this day possible!
Maryland Sustainable Growth Award
We’re thrilled to share that The Residences at Forest Glen has won a Maryland Sustainable Growth Award! The project was selected by the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet and the Maryland Department of Planning. The award was presented by Governor Wes Moore, Secretary Jake Day, and Subcabinet Chair Rebecca L. Flora.
The Residences at Forest Glen sets a new benchmark for affordable housing by transforming a formerly decaying site into 189 high-quality homes along the Georgia Avenue corridor. By integrating educational spaces, green infrastructure, and diverse community amenities, we have ensured that this development not only houses families but also connects them to jobs, stability, and opportunity. Thank you to our State of Maryland partners for this wonderful recognition.
Empowering Families
Generations United by Literacy
Did you know that according to the National Literacy Institute, the US ranks 36th in the world in literacy, and approximately 21% of adults in America are illiterate? There are actions we can take as a community to help strengthen students’ reading skills and build a lifelong love of reading. In addition to other efforts through our Community Life programs, MHP’s GATOR program has been working with a wonderful group of volunteers from Congregation Har Shalom. They have worked with students from kindergarten through second grade to help strengthen their reading skills. This intergenerational effort brings energy to our classrooms and connects community members through literacy-based activities. Thank you to our partners at Har Shalom!
Mugs with Moms
MHP staff are always looking for ways to connect with the families of students enrolled in our programs. In-person meetings and events allow us to better understand each student’s needs and ultimately better serve communities. Mother’s Day is a special time when we can honor the parents and guardians who play a pivotal role in their children’s lives, while strengthening connections. Thank you to all the moms who enjoyed cupcakes, balloons and mug-decorating with their kids.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Piñata Entrepreneurship
MHP residents created some of the most charming and exquisite piñatas we’ve ever seen for Long branch Cinco de Mayo. Children gathered around the piñatas at this recent event and relished the opportunity to hit them with all their might. The piñatas were made by MHP’s third cohort of 🪅 students. Special thanks to Carol of Empresarias Latinas en Acción for presenting strategies of how to start a business and supporting residents who are enrolled in this class.
Long Branch Earth Day
It was another great Earth Day celebration in Long Branch! 🌎🌱 From Planting with Paul, to Roxana’s floral scavenger hunt, to the team from Montgomery County Public Libraries joining us, it was wonderful seeing the community come alive. This also marked the kickoff to our year of events in Long Branch, and Jacob’s first official event as our Main Street Manager! We’re excited for everything ahead this year in Long Branch. Visit https://discoverlongbranch.com/ to learn more about upcoming events.
In Other News
HQ Jewish American Heritage Month at MHP HQ
Colleagues came together to present a Passover-themed celebration for Jewish American History Month. MHP staff enjoyed traditional foods like matzoh and charoset and learned about how the holiday illuminates the importance of freedom. It was meaningful to share personal experiences and connect while discussing universal themes. Special thanks to guest speaker Dr. Jonah Murdock for sharing his extensive historical knowledge!
Sponsor the Christeller Golf Classic!
Our annual Norman Christeller Golf Classic is happening on June 15. We’re seeking sponsors to support this worthy cause! Sponsorships come at a variety of levels to meet the needs of your business or organization. It’s the perfect way to network with industry professionals and gain valuable marketing exposure. Help us put the FUN in fundraiser – become a golf sponsor today! Learn more on our website.
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.
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – April 2026
Housing People
Now Leasing – Unity Place Apartments
With a brand-new community center, playground, renovated apartments, and an affordable price point, Unity Place is move-in ready! Looking for an affordable apartment in DC? Visit the Unity Place website or call the property management office today to learn more and see if you qualify. Visit unityplaceapts.com or call (202) 563-0400
Join the Interest List – The Chimes at North Bethesda
Join The Chimes at North Bethesda interest list today to receive updates on this brand-new affordable apartment community, which offers modern homes, thoughtful amenities, and a vibrant location. It’s under construction and opening this fall! Visit the property website to learn more and add your email: here.
Celebrating $1M in Congressional Funds for Amherst
MHP was selected to receive $1 million for Amherst Affordable Housing Redevelopment through Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). Through the larger Amherst Wheaton Arts Project, MHP plans to redevelop its existing Amherst property in conjunction with a neighboring parcel. MHP will transform an older 125-unit 3-story garden apartment community with obsolete units and out-of-date systems into a modern mixed-use affordable project. The new development will feature 272 rental units, 39 for-sale townhomes, and a cultural arts center, within walking distance of Metro. Learn more here.
Empowering Families
Honoring Local Teachers
Teachers leave an indelible mark on so many lives and they must be treasured. This Women’s History Month, we paid special tribute to all the teachers making a difference, especially since women make up about 77% of the teaching profession. MHP staff created thank you bags for teachers in our community who serve low-income students. Colleagues joined together to stuff the bags with useful and inspirational items. They also wrote personalized notes for each teacher. Thank you to all the teachers out there who are building our society’s future.
Fun in the Sun Hunting for Eggs
With more than 2,000 eggs to find and lots of open green space to explore, GATOR Club students were all smiles at our recent egg hunt. Play and Learn preschool students also joined the excitement at their community centers. The sun was truly shining on our program. Parents were invited to join the fun and engage in their children’s learning. It’s always rewarding to bring families together and celebrate spring in the great outdoors.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Residents Testify at County Council Hearing
Advocacy matters! With many competing priorities in our state and county budgets, we need to raise our voices and demand that affordable housing gets the support it deserves! MHP is engaging in advocacy in a variety of ways. Recently, a group of residents attended the Montgomery County Council session and testified in favor of affordable housing. MHP also sent out an email action alert to build support for the Housing Initiative Fund. Staff have visited Annapolis several times a week recently, to advocate for keeping affordable housing a priority. When we lift our voices together, we are louder, stronger, and more impactful.
Fair Housing Month Recognition
National Fair Housing Month is observed every April to commemorate the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. It serves as a time for education, action, and reflection to ensure equitable housing opportunities for all, as millions of people experience housing discrimination in this country each year. Thank you to the Montgomery County Council and the City of Rockville for honoring MHP with a Fair Housing Month proclamation!
Long Branch Spring Events
So much is happening in Long Branch this spring! From planting flowers at Earth Day to Latin faire at Cinco de Mayo to getting artsy at the new Long Branch Busker Series, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant locale. Visit https://discoverlongbranch.com/ to learn more about upcoming events.
In Other News
Women’s History Month at MHP HQ
For the past few years, MHP has partnered with Runway for a Cause Foundation to provide personal and household items for our residents. Founder Lara Akinsanya recently spoke to our staff and shared the story of how she started this organization, what motivated her decision, and how she balances it all as a single mom. Thank you to Lara for generously volunteering her time to speak with our team and for the amazing work she is doing to support underserved communities throughout the DMV region.
Sponsor the Christeller Golf Classic!
Our annual Norman Christeller Golf Classic is happening on June 15. We’re seeking sponsors to support this worthy cause! Sponsorships come at a variety of levels to meet the needs of your business or organization. It’s the perfect way to network with industry professionals and gain valuable marketing exposure. Help us put the FUN in fundraiser – become a golf sponsor today! Learn more on our website.
Employee Milestones
Rob Goldman – 25 Years of Leadership
This month, we’re celebrating our fearless leader Robert A. Goldman, who has achieved an amazing professional milestone: president of MHP for 25 years!
Thanks to Rob’s effective leadership, MHP has scaled up to meet the intense demand for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income earners. Since the beginning of his tenure, MHP’s real estate portfolio has increased by almost 600%, totaling 3,250 apartment homes today. Beyond growth measured in square footage, programs have also grown and evolved to meet the latest community needs.
We’ll be recognizing this achievement in a variety of ways, so stay tuned in to our social media platforms, website, and even some public announcements.
Celebrating Rosa’s 20th Anniversary
This month, we are also celebrating an employee who has been with MHP for an impressive 20 years! Not only do we recognize Rosa Aleman for her major work anniversary, but she was also selected as this quarter’s Spirit of MHP award winner.
Rosa, a senior accountant, truly embodies the values of MHP through integrity, accountability, teamwork, and outstanding communication. She is someone who can always be counted on—responsive, thoughtful, and willing to help no matter what the situation. Whether she is handling sensitive topics with care or stepping in to support a colleague, Rosa does it all with professionalism and kindness. Congrats to Rosa on this achievement!
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.