February 2024 Monthly Newsletter
The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – February 2024
This year, MHP is celebrating 35 years! On Jan 11, 1989, MHP was incorporated and shortly thereafter Norman Christeller, just retiring as chair of the Planning Board, agreed to serve as the first president. The first Board of Directors was chaired by Bill Murry and included members of the River Road Unitarian Church and prominent homebuilders Tony and Tom Natelli. In 1991, Norm moved to chair of the board and Tad Baldwin, a housing consultant, was asked to become president. A caring collaboration was born!
From 1990 to the present, MHP has continued its mission of preserving and expanding quality affordable housing in our region. Our supportive programs have also expanded to meet the needs of our residents and help local businesses.
For the last 35 years, we’ve been housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods. With your support, we’ll be around for many more.
Housing People
Progress at Forest Glen
Construction continues at The Residences at Forest Glen. Site preparation and foundation work are complete, and building envelope work is now underway. Buildings one and two are being framed and will soon be enclosed with roofing, siding, and other exterior elements.
Neighbors and visitors passing by can view significant construction progress on this multi-family property. We look forward to bringing 189 new affordable apartments to the Silver Spring community. The project will be completed by spring 2025.
Thought Leadership in Affordable Housing
MHP leads the way in advocacy for preserving and expanding access to quality affordable housing in our region. Read more about MHP President Robert A. Goldman’s perspective on building affordable housing on church land in Montgomery County.
“The need for affordable housing is great. Much of the county is already built out, so finding opportunities for land like this…is a wonderful opportunity.”
– MHP President, Robert A. Goldman
Empowering Families
Emeli’s Take on Giving Back
MHP Community Life Program Manager Emeli Oliva was recently featured on a WJLA Helping Hands segment. She shared how growing up in an MHP property helps her connect with her own students.
“I am the story of how it is, and I tell the kids I work with that I used to be one of you guys,” Emeli said.
Oliva understands first-hand what her students experience. She has shared some of the same challenges and joys and this keeps her connected to their success. Watch the video here.
Angels for Children Toy Drive – 25 Years of Magic
For the 25th year, the Angels for Children Toy Drive brought gifts to hundreds of affordable housing residents in the Wheaton community. Here are a few highlights from this magical endeavor. Thank you to the many businesses, organizations, families, and individuals who collected gifts, helped with wrapping, and made donations. We could not have done this without all of you!
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Long Branch Flower Theatre Relighting
Flower Theatre illuminated the Long Branch neighborhood at our recent relighting event which attracted more than 125 people. The façade renovation is now complete and MHP hopes to build interest in funding and renovating the interior of this beloved venue.
The event was organized by Discover Long Branch and featured speakers including Project Manager Amee Bearne, Councilmember Kate Stewart, Councilmember Evan Glass, Councilmember Will Jawando, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, MHP President Robert A. Goldman, MHP Director of Policy and Neighborhood Development Chris Gillis, and more.
Many partners were thanked, including Donohoe Construction, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Montgomery County Department of Housing & Community Affairs, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Cafritz Foundation and MHP.
Lyttonsville Highlight
What is Lyttonsville? This Silver Spring neighborhood was established in the 1850s and it has a rich history and many business offerings. It is also centrally located with varied transit options and will be home to a Purple Line stop in 2027.
Last year, MHP acquired Rollingwood Apartments in Lyttonsville and we’ve been working to develop connections with our residents there, including free backpack distributions, toy drives, and social gatherings.
Now, we’re excited to announce that Discover Lyttonsville has been established with the tagline Doers+Makers+More. Learn more about this effort to strengthen the community and local business district at https://discoverlyttonsville.com/
MHP receives funding through Montgomery County’s Placed-Based Management program that assists with economic development and tourism in business districts and in urban corridors with significant business and retail offerings.
