MHP's COVID Outreach Team continues to have a big impact on our residents who are struggling due to job loss, food insecurity, and other challenges. Our efforts are made possible in part through grant support from NeighborWorks America and Wells Fargo Foundation to help build resident resiliency. NeighborWorks recently featured our efforts in an on-line article profiling two MHP residents helped by our outreach team.
It is clear that the impact of the outreach team goes beyond providing financial resources. It also is about providing emotional support. One resident stricken with COVID said, "You reached out in one of my hardest moments," adding, "Even though you did not know me, you took the time to call me and help with this process."
As we navigate these difficult times, improvising and adapting so we can continue helping our residents, I want to thank you for being there for MHP.
Wishing you and your family a safe, joyous Thanksgiving.
With gratitude,
Robert A. Goldman
MHP President
Stormwater Control Projects
Approved for North Wheaton
MHP’s partnership with two North Wheaton neighborhood associations has paid off with a big environmental win. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced a $1.5 million grant to fund projects to improve stormwater management in Glenmont Forest and Wheaton Hills, communities where MHP has been working for some time.
Several years ago, MHP managed a community visioning process with the Glenmont Forest Neighbors Civic Association and Wheaton Hills Civic Association to bring residents together to talk about shared opportunities and challenges. Stormwater management to stop streets from flooding (see photo) was a common concern. The associations were ready to collaborate on what became the Green Streets Project. This initiative will include over 60 small-scale projects throughout the neighborhoods, including installation of rain gardens, bioretention gardens, and tree boxes.
"This is a testament to the work we do, said Chris Gillis, director of MHP's Policy and Neighborhood Development Department. "Change doesn't happen overnight, but through persistent advocacy, we can bring about positive changes for the communities in which we work." He noted that MHP helped amplify the voices of residents through the community visioning process, encouraging residents to take a leadership role so they were heard by County government.
MHP is finalizing the details of our holiday gift campaign for children, with some needed adaptations due to the pandemic. We will be updating information on our website in the near future, so check back here.
Students Learn Media and
Storytelling Skills
MHP is excited to be collaborating with Story Tapestries to bring media experiences to our Future Leaders of the World (FLOW) middle school program. The partnership is made possible through a generous grant from the NBC Universal Foundation.
The program will work toward three goals: youth will improve their academic school grades; students will learn how to express themselves creatively and constructively; and the community will be able to hear and follow their stories. FLOW students will receive iPads that will allow them hands-on use of technology. The program will include workshop sessions led by Story Tapestries teaching artists to develop storyboards, conduct interviews, and film/edit public-service announcement style videos.
Learn more about this innovative collaboration here.
For more than 30 years, MHP has created quality affordable homes in Montgomery County and the surrounding region. MHP has developed more than 2,200 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 to provide opportunities for residents, including more than 350 school-aged children.
