The Neighborhood Monthly eNewsletter – September 2024

Housing People

Showcasing Colonnade at the Creek 

Visitors from Citi recently toured Colonnade at the Creek in Takoma Park. Robert Goldman and Stephanie Roodman shared insights on what makes the property special, including its vintage-meets-modern colonnade structure, the community center that once housed a boiler room, and the serene location set back amidst nature yet highly accessible to public transportation and major roads.  

MHP recently received the $1M Citi Progress Makers grant, which helps fund projects like Colonnade at the Creek and so much more. We were grateful to connect with other Citi Progress Makers – nonprofits in our region that are making a difference in terms of equitable community development. 

Empowering Families

Back to School with All the Tools

MHP recently held our annual backpack drive to help 700+ students get the tools they need to start the school year right.   

Our team brought backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies directly to students participating in our Community Life programs, in addition to hundreds of other young residents throughout our properties, from preschoolers to teens.  

We hosted our second annual summer/back-to-school party at Rollingwood Apartments in the Lyttonsville neighborhood of Silver Spring. Staff connected with residents there, holding a pool party with free food, face painting, college scholarship resources, and information booths. Donaldson and BLOOM partnered with us for this event. 

MHP also held a block party at Worthington Woods in Washington, D.C., where we distributed backpacks to residents. Activities included free dental care through a mobile clinic, career counseling services through partner Career Catchers, face painting, ice cream, music, and more.  

Thank you to EVERYONE who contributed to this major effort! We could not have done this without your support. Read more here.

Strengthening Neighborhoods

Long Branch Festival

The most perfect weather on the planet set the stage for this year’s Long Branch Festival. The amazing entertainment lineup, food options, vendors, activities, decorations, and crowd energy did not disappoint.  

On Sept. 13 and 14, Flower Avenue Urban Park came alive with almost 5,000 visitors, some newbies and some die-hard Long Branch Fest fans. Attendees enjoyed food from local eateries, including El Gavilan, El Golfo, Love & Flour Bakery, Koma Café, Ocean City Seafood, and more. There was something for everyone on the stage, including Eric Energy for kids, Zumba for fitness seekers, and diverse international bands like Cubano Groove and Cheik Hamala Diabate of West Africa. 

Discover Long Branch aims to support businesses in Long Branch, and this popular annual festival brought la fiesta once again. 

Clarksburg Fire Fund Update

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Clarksburg Fire Fund. With your help, we raised $14,444. Those funds have been distributed directly to impacted families. 

On August 17, 2024, a fire devastated a multi-unit apartment building in the 12000 block of Clarksburg Square Road in Clarksburg, MD. At the request of Montgomery County, MHP collected financial donations to help affected families. While this is not an MHP property, we maintain close ties with the community through the many affordable housing properties we have developed in Montgomery County and are playing a role by managing financial donations to help impacted residents. 

Upcoming Events

Looking for more Long Branch excitement? Upcoming events include an October 11th movie night and a November 3rd 5K fun run. Discover details about these and other monthly events here.

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.

Do you have at least three years of grant writing experience? You might be a fit for our featured job: Grants Manager. 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!