MHP’s community development and housing preservation work in communities along the Purple Line light rail corridor has been selected for the 2023 Impact Award from National NeighborWorks Association (NNA). This is the first year the award has been given.

In accepting the Impact award, MHP President Robert A. Goldman said, “Community work is some of the hardest work,” noting, “We make plans, but at the end of the day we need to turn plans into reality.” Goldman credited training and support from NNA and NeighborWorks America as a factor in MHP’s success making an impact in the community.

MHP’s Purple Line-related work is aimed at maintaining the character and affordability of communities in the light-rail corridor. These areas are likely to undergo redevelopment that could price out the people and businesses there now.

To accomplish this, MHP has been acquiring and renovating rental properties to maintain their affordability so that current residents are not displaced.

MHP also has worked intensively in the Long Branch business community of Silver Spring to help small businesses survive and thrive beyond the pandemic. MHP has played a central role in creating a stronger sense of place in Long Branch. This has included helping small businesses successfully pursue support for structural and aesthetic upgrades, and collaborating with an array of partners to breathe new life into the annual Long Branch Festival. Last year, more than 2,500 people attended this days-long community celebration, enjoying food, music, dancing, and multicultural experiences.

Thank you to National NeighborWorks Association for the recognition!

You can watch a video highlighting work recognized by the Impact Award here.