Silver Spring, MD (March 31, 2026) – Nonprofit developer Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) announced today it was selected to receive $1 million for Amherst Affordable Housing Redevelopment through Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). The funding, secured by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, was included in the FY26 Minibus Spending bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

Through the larger Amherst Wheaton Arts Project, MHP plans to redevelop its existing Amherst property in conjunction with a neighboring parcel. MHP will transform an older 125-unit 3-story garden apartment community with obsolete units and out-of-date-systems into a modern mixed-use affordable project. The new development will feature 272 rental units, 39 for-sale townhomes, and a cultural arts center. In total, MHP will create 311 affordable homes with a focus on deeply affordable housing. Located within 0.5 miles of the Wheaton Metro transit station, the property will provide residents with convenient access to public transit. With the addition of for-sale units, families will have access to affordable homeownership, creating asset and wealth-building opportunities.

“My north star is creating economic opportunity for Marylanders. To do that, we need to create pathways to building wealth. Right now, the cost of rent is way too high and homeownership is far out of reach for most Americans. Homeownership is one of the clearest pathways to building generational wealth, so I am doing everything in my power to make the dream of homeownership and access to affordable housing a reality for more Marylanders.  I am proud to have worked to secure $1 million in federal funding for the Amherst Affordable Housing Redevelopment in Silver Spring so more families can access affordable housing in our state,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

Affordable housing remains a priority and many elected officials have noted the need for more investment.

“The rising cost of housing continues to weigh heavily on far too many Maryland families. That’s why we fought to secure $1 million in federal funding to support more affordable, accessible options in Wheaton that better meet growing needs. This investment will help more Montgomery County families have stable housing and economic security – a win for our entire community,” said Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The funds will be used to fill in the gap of hard-to-find predevelopment costs, covering expenses such as design and construction documents, building permits, and land-use entitlements, enabling MHP to advance this affordable housing project without taking on additional debt.

“We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for making this funding a reality and showing their support for the many low- and moderate-income families in need of a quality affordable home,” said MHP President Robert A. Goldman. “The Amherst Affordable Housing Redevelopment Project will not only preserve but also expand the supply of critically needed apartments near public transit, giving residents access to many connections and opportunities in Montgomery County and beyond.”

MHP has been actively involved in strengthening the Wheaton community for decades, developing four properties including Pembridge Square, Amherst Square, Amherst Gardens, and Earle Manor. Through the Pembridge and Amherst Community Centers, MHP has overseen programs for children ranging from preschool through middle school ages. MHP also upholds a partnership with Arcola Elementary School through the Great Achievers Towards Outstanding Results (GATOR) Club, which provides after school enrichment for children. MHP’s community development and outreach efforts in Wheaton have included murals, a food and diaper pantry, ESOL classes, career counseling, an innovative Community Health Worker program, the Angels for Children Toy Drive, backpack drives, and more.

MHP plans to host a groundbreaking for Amherst Square/Wheaton Arts in fall of 2026.