Jacqueline began her story in Haiti. As a child, she suffered from polio, which left her with mobility challenges. She came to America at the age of 20, hopeful for a better life. The first years were hard. Her family had to split up and live with different relatives. When they finally found a place to call home, there were maintenance and security problems. It did not feel stable or safe.

Despite housing challenges, Jacqueline became a licensed cosmetologist and later trained to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was inspired by the caring healthcare professionals she had met throughout her life.

Today, Jacqueline’s focus is on caring for her family, including her mother and two children. Her mother was walking around Takoma Park and stopped to help an elderly woman carry her heavy bags. She learned that the woman lived in a beautiful senior apartment community nearby. Jacqueline and her mother quickly applied and after a short wait, they found a home at MHP’s Frankin Apartments.

Jacqueline shared her story in a speech at The Chimes at North Bethesda groundbreaking ceremony. She said: “In a place like this, I feel empowered. MHP’s foundation has allowed me to focus on raising my children and building a better future for them. It’s the same foundation that MHP needs to fulfill its mission—to provide safe, supportive housing where families like mine can grow…This inspiring event isn’t just the start of a building; it’s the beginning of a brighter day.”