Everyone Deserves the Opportunity To Live in A Safe and Affordable Place

Oscar, an MHP resident and a senior in high school, advocated for continued support for affordable housing in testimony at a budget forum convened by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to gather input on fiscal 2020 funding priorities. County Executive Elrich praised Oscar for his advocacy and service to the community, noting that he is “a big fan” of the work that MHP is doing to preserve and expand access to affordable housing.

Here is Oscar’s statement:

“Good evening, everyone. My name is Oscar. I am a senior at Northwood High School. This summer I hope to continue with college. You might think that I am here to advocate for schools, but I am here because having a safe home that I can afford gives me the security and stability to continue contributing to my community.

I am a McDonald’s employee who works 5 days a week. In my free time, I am a volunteer in my community. I live in Montgomery Housing Partnership’s Amherst Apartments in Wheaton. Being able to live in Amherst has given me and my sister the security of an affordable, safe home.

Everyone deserves to have the same opportunity that I had to live in a safe and affordable place. Thank you for supporting programs that give me and other people like me a place to call home.”