Sobey Osorio is a resident of MHP’s Parkview Towers Apartment in Takoma Park. In 2021, she became one of the first people in Takoma Park to be diagnosed with COVID. Sobey’s story began in Nicaragua, where, at the age of six, her parents fled to the U.S. to escape war. Her family settled in Takoma Park, MD, and she started school, learned English and adjusted to a new life. Later in life, Sobey studied to become a phlebotomist and received a medical billing and coding certificate. She began her career at an ophthalmology practice on Georgia Avenue, where she worked for 18 years. Sobey’s initial optimism about living an American dream was soon challenged by soaring rental prices.  

She later learned about MHP’s affordable housing and moved into its Parkview Towers complex in 2009. “Our struggle with high living costs, even in 2009, led us to MHP.  Our new home became more than an apartment; it became our community and a place we proudly call home.  And I love it because utilities are included,” she said. 

The community provided Sobey with stability and security until the pandemic hit. After contracting COVID, she was in the hospital for seven months, and then underwent rehabilitation for five more months. “I fought back from two collapsed lungs before one had to be removed. At one point, the doctors discussed stopping life support.  My husband fought for me and told them to give me more time,” she said. 

Now living with disabilities, Sobey is a strong woman rebuilding her life. Despite her new challenges, she is grateful for MHP’s support, saying, “By removing the worry of housing, my family and I can soar.”