The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – May 2026

Housing People

It’s all in the Bags! 

When it comes to serving residents, it’s all in the bags! Special thanks to Lisa Cooley and her students at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Olney. They decorated bags, wrote special notes, and donated useful items for 50 of our residents at Unity Place. The bags will be reserved primarily for our Permanent Supportive Housing residents, many of whom have experienced being unhoused. Great work, St. Peter’s students! 

Unity Place Ribbon Cutting 

It’s official – we’ve cut the ribbon at Unity Place! Thanks to this project, 394 homes have been preserved as affordable and renovated. Now, families can enjoy a brand-new community center named after Evelyn Harrison, one of the property’s founding tenant association members. At the event, project partners were joined onstage by several residents, including Brenda Terry, who shared her moving and poignant story of resilience. We are grateful to the many partners who made this day possible! 

Maryland Sustainable Growth Award 

We’re thrilled to share that The Residences at Forest Glen has won a Maryland Sustainable Growth Award! The project was selected by the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet and the Maryland Department of Planning. The award was presented by Governor Wes Moore, Secretary Jake Day, and Subcabinet Chair Rebecca L. Flora. 

The Residences at Forest Glen sets a new benchmark for affordable housing by transforming a formerly decaying site into 189 high-quality homes along the Georgia Avenue corridor. By integrating educational spaces, green infrastructure, and diverse community amenities, we have ensured that this development not only houses families but also connects them to jobs, stability, and opportunity. Thank you to our State of Maryland partners for this wonderful recognition. 

Empowering Families

Generations United by Literacy 

Did you know that according to the National Literacy Institute, the US ranks 36th in the world in literacy, and approximately 21% of adults in America are illiterate? There are actions we can take as a community to help strengthen students’ reading skills and build a lifelong love of reading. In addition to other efforts through our Community Life programs, MHP’s GATOR program has been working with a wonderful group of volunteers from Congregation Har Shalom. They have worked with students from kindergarten through second grade to help strengthen their reading skills. This intergenerational effort brings energy to our classrooms and connects community members through literacy-based activities. Thank you to our partners at Har Shalom!  

Mugs with Moms 

MHP staff are always looking for ways to connect with the families of students enrolled in our programs. In-person meetings and events allow us to better understand each student’s needs and ultimately better serve communities. Mother’s Day is a special time when we can honor the parents and guardians who play a pivotal role in their children’s lives, while strengthening connections. Thank you to all the moms who enjoyed cupcakes, balloons and mug-decorating with their kids. 

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Piñata Entrepreneurship  

MHP residents created some of the most charming and exquisite piñatas we’ve ever seen for Long branch Cinco de Mayo. Children gathered around the piñatas at this recent event and relished the opportunity to hit them with all their might. The piñatas were made by MHP’s third cohort of 🪅 students. Special thanks to Carol of Empresarias Latinas en Acción for presenting strategies of how to start a business and supporting residents who are enrolled in this class. 

Long Branch Earth Day 

It was another great Earth Day celebration in Long Branch! 🌎🌱 From Planting with Paul, to Roxana’s floral scavenger hunt, to the team from Montgomery County Public Libraries joining us, it was wonderful seeing the community come alive. This also marked the kickoff to our year of events in Long Branch, and Jacob’s first official event as our Main Street Manager! We’re excited for everything ahead this year in Long Branch. Visit https://discoverlongbranch.com/ to learn more about upcoming events. 

 

In Other News

HQ Jewish American Heritage Month at MHP HQ 

Colleagues came together to present a Passover-themed celebration for Jewish American History Month. MHP staff enjoyed traditional foods like matzoh and charoset and learned about how the holiday illuminates the importance of freedom. It was meaningful to share personal experiences and connect while discussing universal themes. Special thanks to guest speaker Dr. Jonah Murdock for sharing his extensive historical knowledge!

Sponsor the Christeller Golf Classic! 

Our annual Norman Christeller Golf Classic is happening on June 15. We’re seeking sponsors to support this worthy cause! Sponsorships come at a variety of levels to meet the needs of your business or organization. It’s the perfect way to network with industry professionals and gain valuable marketing exposure. Help us put the FUN in fundraiser – become a golf sponsor today! Learn more on our website.  

Seeking Pembridge Food Pantry Donations

Did you know that our resident outreach team runs a food pantry attached to our Pembridge Community Center? This small but mighty storage location can hold many nonperishable food items for residents in need. We’re seeking donations of canned goods on an ongoing basis. Please contact Fatima (fcoreas@mhpartners.org) to schedule a drop-off at the Pembridge Community Center.  Thanks for helping us provide food for the community! 

Combatting Food Insecurity with Fatima

Discover Fatima’s perspective on her work helping residents with SNAP benefits and combatting food insecurity in the latest MHP on Mic.

Building Dreams Tour

MHP’s Building Dreams tours provide a one-hour opportunity to see our work first-hand. Join Rob Goldman, Jaimee Goodman and other staff members for a deeper drive into our holistic approach and mission to expand and preserve affordable housing. RSVP and learn more by emailing Jaimee: jgoodman@mhpartners.org.