Silver Spring, MD (August 28,2024) – MHP continues to collect relief funds for families impacted by the Clarksburg fire. As of August 28, 2024, the fund has reached $9,943. MHP will close the fund on September 4th and target September 6th as a key date for distributing funds to those impacted. We thank everyone who has contributed thus far.
Donations can be made by clicking here.
See video below from Montgomery Community Media:
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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!
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!
(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.
Source of The Spring featured MHP’s bold new $20M campaign to double its impact by the end of the decade. The “Making Home Possible for All” campaign, launched on May 7, plans to expand, and preserve more affordable housing in Montgomery County, MD and across the DMV. The local news network quoted MHP President Robert A. Goldman as saying:
“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.” Read the full story here.
