MHP Timeline
Our Origin
In the summer of 1988, Reverend Lincoln “Lon” Dring, Executive Director of Community Ministry of Montgomery County (now known as Interfaith Works), and Peg McRory, a housing activist, gathered a number of friends and acquaintances together around Peg’s dining room table to search for solutions to the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County. This small group decided to form a non-profit housing organization that could work with the local government and the community to address affordable housing issues.
In 1989, Montgomery Housing Partnership (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 (RRUC) 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.
From 1990 to the present, MHP has continued its mission of preserving and expanding affordable housing with the acquisition of older, deteriorating multi-family buildings and the ground-up development of new properties. MHP serves residents in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the District of Columbia. We preserve, rehabilitate, and build affordable apartment homes and lease them to low- and moderate-income families.
Neighborhoods Program Strengthens Communities
Targeted Community Support Since 1997, MHP has offered a unique program that addresses the needs of targeted neighborhoods. Services include formation of neighborhood associations, identification of issues, problem solving and neighborhood infrastructure upgrades. MHP conducts placemaking efforts in key areas such as Long Branch, Bonifant Street, and Lyttonsville to support local businesses, especially in light of Purple Line construction disruptions. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, MHP started an emergency outreach program for residents who are struggling. This program remains part of our work, and staff support residents through food distributions, health resources, rent relief, credit reporting, and more.
Community Life Program Provides Support & Enrichment
Community Life Program Helps Residents Build Better Lives Whether helping kids excel in school or providing adults with job training, MHP Community Life Programs support the growth and development of all residents, including the need to have fun. Started in 1998, these programs offer children an award-winning homework club, Play & Learn preschool, Future Leaders of the World (FLOW) teen program, Great Achievers Toward Outstanding Results (GATOR) elementary program, plus holiday parties, back to school supplies, summer camps, and cultural outings. Adult programs include health promotions, fairs, and more.
Housing People * Empowering Families * Strengthening Neighborhoods