As a senior living on a limited income, Julie knew The Bonifant was the best place to live out her retirement years. She heard about the dynamic project many years ago and was able to find an apartment there in 2019.

Julie is originally from Northwest DC, but she knew the downtown Silver Spring neighborhood well because she has lived in Montgomery County for many years. After going from one apartment building to another and experiencing rising rents, Julie sought something more stable and affordable. She found her ideal home at The Bonifant.

Julie does not drive and access to public transportation is crucial for her life. The Bonifant’s central location means she can walk to two different grocery stores or hop on a subway or bus when she wants to venture farther out.

The Bonifant is uniquely suited to Julie’s needs for a variety of reasons. The physical apartment boasts a modern kitchen with generous counter and cabinet space. This is important to Julie because she loves to cook. She enjoys the amenities, diversity, and culture of Downtown Silver Spring. She also appreciates and takes advantage of social clubs within The Bonifant community. Julie attends chair yoga each Friday in the exercise room.

Hobbies are a great part of Julie’s life at The Bonifant. She likes to knit, crochet, paint abstracts and landscapes, and read. Julie is also building her skills in photography.

Julie’s living situation is common. The majority of MHP residents are single women without children living in their households. They often experience financial challenges, especially as rents are rising and living costs are growing. High housing costs plague seniors throughout the US, and the problem is especially pronounced in Montgomery County where there is a critical housing shortage. MHP continues to expand its work to serve people like Julie, who need a housing solution that enables them to live comfortably, and without the burden of an excessive rental payment that far exceeds a reasonable portion of their income.