Our community is evolving, a fact that should not surprise anyone. Montgomery County's Planning Department recently issued a trends report that explores data documenting the many changes in the County from 1990-2017 in key areas: housing, jobs, and demographics. Looking forward, these trends will have significant relevance to the work that MHP does to ensure that residents of our community have access to quality, affordable housing.
Here are some key points:
Total county population has grown 38% since 1990;
Our population is aging - the median age used to be 33.9, and now it is 39, with the total population of residents 65+ projected to double by 2040;
Our community is increasingly diverse, with people of color making up 56% of all residents, while 33% of all residents are foreign-born;
The number of renters is growing significantly, and rent costs are going up significantly too, which naturally raises concerns about maintaining access to affordable housing for low-income residents.
This trends report (click on image above) is an excellent conversation-starter. The county will use the data to update the General Plan that sets a course for the future. The General Plan "is the long-term planning guide that establishes an overall vision and set of values about how the county should grow over decades." I would be interested in hearing your thoughts about these trends as we celebrate our 30th year and renew our strong commitment to housing people, empowering families and strengthening neighborhoods.
In partnership --
Robert A. Goldman
MHP President
Advocacy for a Safe, Affordable Home
Oscar, an MHP resident and high school senior, tesitified about the need for affordable housing at a fiscal year 2020 budget forum convened by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. In addition to going to school, Oscar works five days a week and volunteers in his community.
"I am here because having a safe home that I can afford gives me the security and stability to continue contributing to my community," Oscar said. County Executive Elrich praised Oscar for his advocacy and service to his community.
In other advocacy news, the MHP team traveled to Annapolis for Community Development Day to encourage Maryland lawmakers to support affordable housing and community development initiatives. Priorities include providing resources to the Community Development Fund from the Unclaimed Property Fund, and fully funding the Community Legacy program, which provides local governments and community development organizations with funding for essential projects to strengthen communities. Read more.
Toothpick Bridge STEM Challenge
MHP's Community Life student enrichment programs are committed to helping young learners develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.
Elementary-age students in the Pembridge Community Center Great Achievers Toward Outstanding Results (GATOR) class divided into two teams for their latest science/technology/engineering/math (STEM) activity. They were challenged to construct a strong bridge using only toothpicks and marshmallows. Each team's bridge then had to survive a load-bearing test: paper clips were placed on each bridge one at a time until the structure collapsed under the weight. The team with the last bridge standing built the stronger bridge.
The students worked diligently to build their bridges piece by piece, and quickly noticed that marshmallows are not ideal building materials because they are soft. Teamwork was the true test in this activity. Students reflected that it was hard building their bridges because they all had many differing ideas about how they wanted to contribute. In the end, they successfully pulled together to construct bridges they were proud of.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar! MHP's Annual Norman Christeller Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, June 24, at the Hampshire Greens Golf Course.
The Norman Christeller Golf Classic provided the initial seed money to launch Montgomery Housing Partnership. Today, the charity event remains a crucial source of funds to ensure our Community Life programs continue to provide enrichment opportunities to low-income children in Montgomery County.
Last year, the event attracted more than 120 business leaders and philanthropists for golf, networking, and the chance to support programs that encourage young people to grow up to be future leaders. Be sure to join us as a participant or sponsor. For general information, contact Charlotte Garvey, cgarvey@mhpartners.org; for sponsorship information, contact Eva Dillon, edillon@mhpartners.org.
Join Us for A
Building Dreams Tour
Join us for a one-hour Building Dreams Tour, which provides a closer look inside MHP’s affordable apartment communities in Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wheaton.
You will tour community spaces and a renovated home, and learn about the innovative programs and services MHP provides to low- and moderate-income residents.
Next tour:
WHEN: Friday, March 8, 12:30 - 1:30pm
WHERE: Pembridge Square Community Center
2315 Blueridge Ave., Wheaton
Learn more here or contact Jaimee Goodman, jaimee@mhpartners.org.
For 30 years, Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) has created quality affordable homes in Montgomery County. Through its affiliates, MHP has developed nearly 1,800 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.
