On a Wednesday night at the Amherst Community Center, a group of diverse individuals hurry into a Financial Fitness Class.There are several 20-something women, a few middle aged gentlemen in work clothes, a married couple and even a young manwith special needs accompanied by his mother. What do they all have in common? They all want to be homeowners and theysee a great opportunity before them with MHP’s Individual Development Account (IDA) homeownership program.

This night’s free class is arranged by MHP’s MPDU/IDA Coordinator Reneé Carroll-Smith and is taughtby a volunteer, Lee Ackerman, from The Credit Network. The goal of this class is to teach the studentsthe basics of good credit, which is the first step towards homeownership. Lee discusses debt, handlingcreditors, credit reports, and refinancing. He encourages participants to “aim high” and be debt freewhen walking into their new homes. Other classes will deal with home inspections, budgeting, and theprocess for purchasing a Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU). At the conclusion of this course,each participant will “graduate” with a certificate of completion.

As part of the IDA homeownership program with MHP, participants must save $55.00 monthly for twoyears for a total of $1,320.00. This amount will be matched on a 3 to 1 basis by MHP giving them a bal-ance of $5,280.00 towards closing costs. During this time, the participants are introduced to a HOClender who can provide a below market rate loan and they are encouraged to sign up for the countyMPDU program.

Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) is celebrating a milestone with the purchase of their1,000th unit of affordable housing in Montgomery County. “This is a joyous occasion for every-one associated with MHP. We are extremely proud of this success!” states Robert Goldman,President of MHP.

Norman Christeller, MHP’s first president, had an ambitiousvision for developing affordable housing in Montgomery County. That vision lives on asMHP realizes this momentous milestone. MHP was incorporated in 1989 and com-pleted its first major development in 1992 with the construction of Dring’s Reach, a 104unit garden apartment community in Silver Spring. With the recent purchase of 96 unitsin Takoma Park as part of the Takoma Park Preservation (TPP) project, MHP reached1,000 homes.

Like many of MHP’s recent developments, the TTP project will combine private financ-ing with federal low income tax credits and funds from the county’s Housing InitiativeFund. This financing will allow MHP to complete extensive renovation of the propertiesas well as keeping the rents affordable.

Con’t (page 2)

m o n t g o m e r y h ous ingpar tnersh ip

BUILDING COMMUNITIES11002 Veirs Mill Road, Suite 503, Silver Spring, MD 20902-5920w w w. M H P a r t n e r s . o r g Tel 301-946-0882 Fax 301-946-0982

S P R I N G 2 0 0 7

IDA PROGRAM HOSTS SPRING 2007 FINANCIAL FITNESS WORKSHOPS

1001-1005 University Blvd. ispart of the Takoma Park

Preservation project

Lee Ackerman of The Credit Network discusses

good credit with future homebuyers.

MHP REACHES MILESTONE - 1,000 HOMESTABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Message ..2Community Life ...3 &4Golf Tournament ........5Donors .......................5NeighborWorks Tour ..6Board of Directors/Staff ...........................6

S P R I N G 2 0 0 7 2BUILDING COMMUNITIES

2007 promises to be an inter-esting year for proponents ofaffordable housing. It is a timeof change and transition asnew administrations on thestate and county levels set thestage for the next four years.Governor Martin O’Malley and

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggettexpressed support for affordable housing duringtheir campaigns and they appear committed to eas-ing the affordable housing crisis as they begin theirterms.

While Mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2006,O’Malley, a proponent of smart growth, used inno-vative strategies to redevelop struggling neighbor-hoods by eliminating vacant housing and creatingaffordable housing. Governor O’Malley called forthe creation of a statewide affordable housing fundto support development projects that ensure afford-able housing. He also proposed workforce grantsfor low and moderate income families, especiallylocal employees such as police, firefighters andteachers. His appointment of Ray Skinner asSecretary of the Department of Housing is seen asa plus for affordable housing. Mr. Skinner was pre-viously the Maryland Secretary of Housing andCommunity Development (HCD) and was theDirector of Prince George’s County DHCD.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MHP MILESTONE (FROM PAGE 1)

A group of state lawmakers led by Delegate Maggie L.McIntosh (D-Dist. 43) have sponsored a bill (HB 486) thatwould create a statewide affordable housing investment fund.This bill would establish a dedicated revenue source foraffordable housing and could raise approximately $100 mil-lion to develop affordable housing.

On a local level, Ike Leggett’s campaign promise to increasefunds for the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF) seems to be com-ing to fruition. The County Executive’s proposed budget forfiscal year 2008 recommends an increase of $10 million tothe Housing Initiative Fund. Richard Nelson, Leggett’sappointment to head the Montgomery County Department ofHousing and Community Affairs, has years of national andlocal affordable housing experience both as the ExecutiveDirector of the National Association of Housing andDevelopment Officials (NAHDO) and as the chair of theMontgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission

In Montgomery County, land is scarce and increasing popu-lations have led to huge increases in rent and housingprices. These new administrations should provide a veryfavorable climate for affordable housing. Now, more thanever before, MHP is poised to take affordable housing to thenext level and to preserve and expand quality affordablehousing in Montgomery County.

Robert Goldman, Esq.President

The rehabilitation costs are estimated to be $13.9 millionand will include upgrades to the electrical systems,replacement of heating systems, and the installation ofindividually controlled central air conditioning. In the inte-rior, there will be all new bathrooms and kitchens; and onthe outside, exterior up-grades and landscape improve-ments. A community space will also be added to one ofthe properties.

Renovations are expected to take 13 months and willbegin in August of 2007. Approximately 15 units will berehabilitated at a time and residents will be temporarilylocated to units in Takoma Park.

Current residents of TPP are relieved that MHP has pur-chased the properties. The properties needed substantial

renovation and had dozens of housing code violationswhich created health and safety hazards to the residents.The former owner of one of the buildings had evicted 14tenants and the remaining tenants were entering into alegal battle to keep their homes. The landlord intended toconvert the apartments into condominiums which wouldhave priced the residents out of their homes. MHP seizedthe opportunity to create more affordable housing in aneighborhood where they already had substantial invest-ment while preventing the residents from being displaced.

“We are very pleased that we could help these residentsand continue to renovate and preserve affordable housingin this area.”, explains Mr. Goldman. “Everybody wins inthis situation.”

HOLIDAY SPIRIT ABOUNDS FOR 600 CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Santa’s helpers were busy during the month of December kicking off a toy drive that would bring joy to over 600 chil-dren living in Montgomery Housing Partnership properties. Volunteers purchased age appropriate toys and wrappedthe presents. They were then sorted and transported to the various sites for distribution. Santa and his helpershanded the presents out to excited children who otherwise might not have received any presents this year.

MHP would like to thank the following individuals, organizations and companies: Wheaton Kensington Chamber ofCommerce, Kiwanis Club, Johns Hopkins University students, Americorp volunteers, Wheaton Volunteer RescueSquad, Evergreen School, Newport School, Telenor Satellite Services, Acorn Self Storage, Brookside Gardens,NeighborWorks America, MHP Circle of Builders, Enterprise Community Investment, Boy Scout Troop #66, Tom & LizQuinn, CW Capital Asset Management LLC, UBS Financial Services, Berlin, Ramos & Co., Edgar On Line, ChristChurch Parish, Community Life Staff and the dozens of individuals who gave their time and talent to make the holi-days special for so many families.

COMMUNITY LIFE PROGRAMS

3BUILDING COMMUNITIES S P R I N G 2 0 0 7

Many of the residents of MHP’s properties facebarriers when they try to become computer liter-ate. Many are just learning English and havenever used a computer. To help residents over-come these barriers, MHP offers ten week com-puter training classes at Blair Park and GreatHopes Homes for adults who need to improvetheir skills.

All levels of basic computer training, such asintroduction to Microsoft Word and typing tutori-als, are available. Participants can also preparea resume for use in their job search.

Teaching these courses is Mark Tucker, a resi-dent of Greenwood Terrace Apartments. Markhas organized the computer labs and has set upstations at each computer for students to learnand practice their skills. His skillful teachingmethods and patience is appreciated by all hisstudents.

Children can also improve their computer skillswith Mark at Greenwood every Monday andTuesday afternoon. Additionally, all of MHP’scommunity centers have computer labs forhomework and computer skill building.

COMPUTER LABS AT BLAIR PARK AND GREAT HOPE HOMESOFFER ADULTS AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER LITERACY

4BUILDING COMMUNITIES S P R I N G 2 0 0 7

5BUILDING COMMUNITIES S P R I N G 2 0 0 7

Golf Tournament DateChanged To

Tuesday, May 15

Every May for 18 years, local golfers have gathered

their co-workers and friends for an afternoon of golf,

camaraderie and great food at the Norman Christeller

Annual Golf Tournament, traditionally held on a

Monday afternoon. This year will be a little different in

that golfers will gather on Tuesday afternoon (instead

of the usual Monday) at the Northwest Park Golf

Course to celebrate the 19th year of this classic.

As always, the golf tournament is named in honor of

one of MHP’s founders, Norman Christeller. “Norm

was a strong advocate for affordable housing. He

served as the first president of MHP for three years

and Chairman of the Board for an additional six

years.” explains Rob Goldman, President of MHP.

“We want to memorialize Norm’s love of children by

contributing the funds raised from this tournament to

the Community Life Programs which offer after school

activities, pre-school groups, teen clubs and summer

enrichment programs.”

Activities will start at noon with golf registration and a

fabulous catered lunch. At 1 p.m., the tournament will

begin with a shotgun start. At 6:00 p.m., a barbeque

dinner catered by Red, Hot and Blue will be served.

A presentation and awards will begin shortly there-

after.

It’s not too late for your business or organization to be

a sponsor. Call Patty Reed at 301-946-0882 X22 or

send an e-mail to preed@MHPartners.org to learn

about the great ways to advertise your business and

help a great cause. You can also call Patty if you want

to get a registration form and participate in the tour-

nament. Or visit our website at www.MHPartners.org

to download an application and to pay on-line.

D O N O R SMontgomery Housing Partnership’s work is made possible by thegenerous donations of corporations, individuals, and the state andcounty government. We would like to recognize and thank the fol-lowing donors, who have contributed to MHP from August 15, 2006 toMarch 15, 2007. If there is an error or omission, please contactPatty Reed at Extension 22.Bruce T. AdamsJesse Alfriend, Jr.Stephen and Shari AshmanAshton United Methodist ChurchKenneth & Judith AuerbachTara M. BacoteRobert L. BaerBruce BakerArthur A. BardosLinna Barnes & Christian MixterCharles BayBethesda United Church of ChristBlechman-Morenoff FoundationJames A. and Marion BrodskyThe Evelyn W. Bushwick Family

Charitable TrustGuy and Lucie CampbellJohn Carman Chen, Walsh, Tecler & McCabe, LLPLois M. ChristellerCitigroupEugene CostaEdge Research in honor of Nancy

FloreenGregory EisenstadtEnterprise Community InvestmentsStacy EspritFannie Mae FoundationMargaret Fitzgerald-BareFlaherty Group, Inc.David FlanaganFreddie Mac FoundationCarl M. Freeman AssociatesLois FriedWilliam GeoffrionGMAC ResCapGMAC RFCTeuntje GoldmanGRID VenturesToby Halliday & Dorothy RosenbaumHarman Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Gordon L. HawkJudith B. HeimannKevin HessmanJohn P. HewittFerdinand HoefnerJuan HolcombIra & Rhonda Cunningham HolmesJoan HoneymanBarry KasinitzMr. and Mrs. Richmond M. KeeneyMr. and Mrs. Morris KletzkinWilliam KominersGlenn R. KregerJudith LappingMr. & Mrs. Richard LawchLime Rock ContractorsMain Street Homes, LLCSheila MaithLeslie MarksMr. & Mrs. Williams MartinCamilla McRoryDaniel MeijerMeltzer Group Employee Giving FundRyland L. Mitchell, IIIWylie MitchellMontgomery County Department of

Housing & Community Affairs

Raymond MorenoJudith B. MorenoffRita Morgan Charitable TrustAllen MushinskyNatelli CommunitiesS. Bruce PascalRichard PerlmutterSondra H. Peskoe & W. Matthew

PerrenodPettit Family Charitable FoundationWalter & Carol S. PetzoldLaurence PlattProvident BankPulte Home CorpKenneth RehfussJ.E. Rice Insurance AgencyMr. & Mrs. Donald B. RobertsonMr. & Mrs. John M. RobinsonPeter and Sarah RomanCynthia A. RubensteinCarolyn SalisburyMr. & Mrs. Robert L. SaloschinGail Scott-ParizerDavid and Nancy ScullMartin SeldeenMary Lynn SkutleyMr. & Mrs. John SlidellSligo Computer Services, Inc.Robert and Nancy SorengLois O. StonerTarget CorporationJody Leigh TraceyUnited Way of the National Capital

AreaMartha WaddyChristian WagleyFrederick H. WaltonKendra WellsJune WilliamsJoan N. YamamotoPaul M. YentisPaul & Margo Zimmerman Fund of

the Community Foundation of the National Capital Region

Circle of Builders2007 Donors Charles BayHu BentonJames A. BrodskyDavid D. FlanaganLois FriedTeuntje GoldmanMelissa & Don GravesJuan HolcombRhonda Cunningham HolmesSam & Lucy KekerRichard LawchPhyllis Lieberman Williams MartinRay MorenoRichard PerlmutterRichard PettitGail Scott-ParizerStacy Plotkin SilberAlazne SolisMichael A. Withers

NeighborWorks America held their annual ExecutiveDirector Symposium in Washington, DC in late March.MHP President, Robert Goldman, led a tour of MHP prop-erties as part of a Mobile Seminar.

Participants toured Pembridge, Amherst, Glenville andConnecticut Avenue Estates. Robert discussed the manypartnerships that make affordable housing work inMontgomery County.

NEIGHBORWORKS TOURS MHPPROPERTIES

Michael A. Withers...........................................................................ChairPhyllis Lieberman....................................................................Vice ChairLois S. Fried ..............................................................................TreasurerCynthia Rubenstein ..................................................................Secretary

Robert A. Goldman...................................................................President Jill E. Goodrich...........................................Vice President of Operations S. Marlowe Mentzer........................................Vice President of Finance Rosa Aleman.................................................................Staff Accountant Tara Bacote .....................................................................Asset Manager Greg Baker ..............................................Community Planning Manager Reneé Carroll-Smith...........................................MPDU/IDA Coordinator Gloria Castro ..............................Community Life Programs Coordinator Estela Giron ...............................................................AmeriCorps Intern Sandy Lombardo......................................................................Controller Nora Ortiz ...........................Community Life Site Programs Coordinator Cleydi Pacheco....................................Community Life Site Coordinator Patty Reed...........................................................Director of Fundraising Stephanie Roodman.....................Development Manager/Staff Counsel Michael Scheidt........................................................Office Administrator Stephen Sprecher .....Dir. of Real Estate & Neighborhood Development Maureen Sweeney Smith...............................Communications Manager Sulema Middleton Stewart ...............Community Life Programs Director David Wilson........................................................Development Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

Maryam BalbedCharles BaySamuel Marein-EfronJuan HolcombRhonda Cunningham HolmesRichard LawchSheila Maith

Raymond MorenoRichard PerlmutterGail Scott-ParizerStacy Plotkin SilberAli SolisJacquelyn Van Croft

montgomeryhousingpartnership11002 Veirs Mill Road, Suite 503Silver Spring, MD 20902-5920

www.MHPartners.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSILVER SPRING, MD

PERMIT NO. 1889

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED