The start of a new year traditionally is a time to take stock and make plans. In the affordable housing realm, this year promises to present challenges and opportunities. I recently reflected on whether we are doing enough in a column I wrote for the Council for Advocacy and Policy Solutions (CAPS), a nonprofit policy organization.
I am encouraged by targets being set to expand the stock of affordable housing in our region. But we also have to recognize that success is unlikely to come from big, grand gestures, because that simply will not happen. Success is likely to come from incremental changes using an array of tools -- issuing bonds, leveraging public dollars with private funds, dedicating a larger percentage of property tax revenue to affordable housing, and identifying new funding options. There will be challenges, no doubt. But I think we can get there. You can read the full piece here. I would be interested in hearing what you think. Thanks to CAPS for publishing it.
Our holiday giving programs brought smiles to the faces of our young residents and seemed to bring just as much delight to the givers who donated resources and their time. Thank you to all who took part. Take a look at photos from the holidays to get a sense of the fun and joy.
We appreciate your partnership and look forward to seeing you soon.
Robert A. Goldman
MHP President
Toy Drive Thank You
Our holiday giving programs were a huge success, bringing joy to hundreds of our young residents. We could not have done it without you -- thank you! See more photos and thank yous here.
Save the Date: MHP Golf Tournament
Mark your calendar! The 2020 Norman Christeller Golf Classic, an important source of support for MHP's Community Life student enrichment programs, will be Monday, June 22. Stay tuned for more details.
Students Visit Fire Station
Kindergarten and 1st-grade students in MHP's Amherst Square afterschool enrichment program visited the Wheaton Rescue Squad as part of a college and career readiness curriculum. They learned about what to pack in a "go bag" for emergencies and what equipment and clothing firefighters use on the job. They got a close look inside a fire engine and an ambulance. Thank you to the Wheaton firefighters for welcoming and educating our students.
Coming Soon: Long Branch 5K
Save the date! The Discover Long Branch community 5K run/walk is Sunday, March 22. Learn more here.
Building Dreams Tours 2020
Join us for a one-hour tour to get a look inside MHP’s affordable apartment communities.
For information, contact Raquelle Contreras, rcontreras@mhpartners.org, or go to the MHP website.
With the support of the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA), MHP manages the Apartment Assistance Program (AAP) to help owners of small apartment properties improve and manage their properties to ensure safe, desirable homes that are affordable and attractive to households at varying income levels.
The 2020 AAP Building Trade Expo will provide many resources, connecting a variety of contractors with property owners and homeowners. The Expo also will feature government agencies and non-profit organizations that can offer help and potential financing for projects.
When: March 5, 2020, 6 – 8pm
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building,1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD
For more than 30 years, MHP has created quality affordable homes in Montgomery County and the surrounding region. MHP has developed more than 2,100 affordable apartments, condos, and townhomes. We also work to enhance the vitality of the neighborhoods where affordable housing is located and offer Community Life Programs for the residents.
much delight to the givers who donated resources and their time. Thank you to all who took part. Take a look at 
