The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – May 2025

Housing People

Gardens of Gaithersburg Ribbon Cutting 

MHP celebrated the completion of the newly renovated Gardens of Gaithersburg apartment community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 1st. The event featured remarks by Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman, MHP President Robert A. Goldman, the St. Jour family, and many other notable speakers.  

The project required a total investment of $36 million. With renovations completed in 2025, this affordable community is a modernized gem in a bustling area with access to many transit connections and job opportunities for residents. Located just off N. Frederick Ave, Gardens of Gaithersburg consists of 78 apartment homes, all reserved for those making 60% of area median income (AMI) or less. 

We are grateful to the many project and funding partners who made this preservation project possible! Investment partners include Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, State of Maryland, Bank of America, Enterprise, Freddie Mac, and NeighborWorks America. 

Check out this article and video from Montgomery County Media to see event highlights! 

Empowering Families

Mother’s Day with Community Life 

The poet Marion Garretty once wrote, “Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.”  

Our Community Life staff recently celebrated the mothers and caregivers who do what sometimes seems impossible – giving life to another person and being there for them throughout all the ups and downs of life. Motherhood is not easy, but for most, it is extremely rewarding. The Glenville Road community held a special outdoor event, bringing families together with food, crafts, activities, and more. It was a time to appreciate the bonds that bring us together and show value for the essential role that parents and caregivers play in the lives of our young residents.  

Young Scientists 

Students at our Pembridge Great Achievers Towards Outstanding Results (GATOR) program recently took part in a science fair. They enjoyed exploring textures, materials and chemical reactions to gain new insights about the elements that make up our world. Hands-on learning is a great way to motivate and engage students! 

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Flower Theater Receives State Preservation Award 

Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) named MHP the recipient of its 2025 Excellence in Restoration Award in recognition of our work on the historic façade at the Flower Theater. The awards recognize outstanding education, restoration, and revitalization projects, as well as individual leadership.   

Located in Long Branch, the historical edifice opened in 1950 and operated as a movie theater until it closed in 1996. The theater’s signature neon sign and marquee had been dark for many years. Thanks to our fundraising and organizing efforts, plus the support of many partners, we have revived the iconic neon sign, relit the marquee, and renovated the ticket booth using original materials and techniques.  

Watch our award ceremony here!  

Long Branch Earth Day Features Family Photos 

For the first time ever, people who attended Long Branch Earth Day had the opportunity to take free family photos! In addition to food, music, activities and vendors, we’re always looking for new ways to bring foot traffic and business to our placemaking location events. Here are a few of the wonderful (and photogenic!) people in our community. 

Recent Awards Spotlight 

As the largest nonprofit developer in Montgomery County, MD, MHP aims to preserve and expand access to quality affordable homes. Our wraparound services complement this mission, supporting our residents and neighbors through dynamic programs. We’re thrilled to share some recent awards with you and appreciate your role in making all this possible. Whether you donated money, liked a social media post, came to an event, or read this newsletter, you helped us make a difference.  

• Maryland Historical Trust Excellence in Restoration – Flower Theater Historic Façade 

• Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers – Developer of the Year 

• Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County (AHCMC) Marvin Turner Award for Affordable Housing Excellence – The Bonifant at Silver Spring 

• AHCMC Ike Leggett Montgomery County Community Partner Award – The Residences at Forest Glen 

• AHCMC Architectural Award – Colonnade at the Creek 

• AHCMC Architectural Award – Gardens of Gaithersburg 

• Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition – Excellence in Affordable Housing Preservation – Residences at Forest Glen 

• Urban Land Institute Washington awards – FINALIST- Colonnade at the Creek 

Discover more awards here. 

Building Dreams Tour

MHP provides thousands of low- and moderate-income families and individuals with quality affordable homes where they can thrive. Our Building Dreams tour, a one-hour experience, is a way to see our work first-hand. Each tour is held at an MHP property and explores the heart of all we do. 

The tours include learning about our holistic approach to housing. You will walk the property, see facilities like Community Centers where innovative programs are happening, and hear inspiring resident stories.

RSVP by contacting Jaimee Goodman at jgoodman@mhpartners.org or by phone at 301-812-4118.

Let us show you how MHP is fulfilling our mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods.

We’re Hiring

MHP is seeking qualified candidates to join our dynamic team in Silver Spring. With a mission that matters, MHP employees make a difference and enjoy a range of professional benefits.

You might be a fit for our featured job openings. Learn more here.

With competitive pay and benefits, a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and a mission to help people in the community, MHP is a great place to grow your career!