May 22, 2015

Join USGBC National Capital Region (USGBC-NCR) and the Greenbuild Host Committee on June 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Crough Center at Catholic University for “Building the Business Case for Resilient Economic Development,” the first of two Speaker Events that will examine the growing global focus on resilience. Part of USGBC-NCR’s lead-up to Greenbuild Voices on Resilience Campaign, these events will explore the convergence of sustainability and resilience and how our region can work collectively to make our community stronger and more adaptable.

As the recent National Climate Assessment makes clear, extreme weather events—including heat waves, drought, tropical storms, high winds, storm surges and heavy downpours—are becoming more severe.  “Building the Business Case for Resilient Economic Development” will examine the economic risks for businesses and communities in the aftermath of these extreme events. A panel of dynamic leaders in the resilience movement will discuss how organizations can effectively reduce vulnerabilities by planning for the future in their everyday decision-making.

The panel for this event will include:

• Harriet Tregoning, Director of the Office of Economic Resilience, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and former Director of DC’s Office of Planning
• Alex Kaplan, Vice President of Global Partnerships, SwissRE 
• Joshua Barnes, Disaster Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA)

Tickets for this event are $25 for HAND Members. Learn more and register at: http://usgbcncr.org/event/voices-on-resilience-speaker-event/

May 18, 2015

Twenty-five years ago, Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. (HIP) was founded in Prince George’s County by a group of committed community activists wanting to make a difference in the lives of families with low-incomes. Since its start in 1988, HIP has helped thousands of families achieve their dreams – whether through high-quality affordable housing or personalized counseling – and is a recognized powerhouse known for excellence in design; commitment to green technologies; focus on neighborhood revitalization; and outstanding customer service.

HIP launched its multifamily rental development program by buying distressed fourplexes in the Suitland Manor community and renovating them into comfortable homes for local residents. Now, 25 years later, HIP has developed almost 450 apartment homes, with 100 more in the pipeline.

In 1998, HIP started HIP Homes, a homeownership program that acquires vacant and distressed houses to renovate and resell to first-time homebuyers. To date, it has purchased and sold more than 65 of these homes in Prince George’s County, with 20 of the properties developed in just the past three years. Seeing a need to expand homeownership education among first-time buyers, HIP developed its housing counseling program in 2003. More than 15,000 residents in both Prince George’s and Montgomery counties have received pre-purchase counseling, financial capacity training and/or foreclosure prevention services through this program with more coming through the doors each day. In response to the mortgage crisis in 2009, Montgomery County invited HIP to open two housing counseling offices in foreclosure “hot spots” where HIP continues to be active to this day.

In addition to developing quality homes for buyers and renters with low- to moderate-incomes, HIP has also paid for more than 300 college courses for residents who live in its buildings and in communities the organization serves.

For many years, HIP has targeted Palmer Park in Landover for revitalization and has renovated more than 30 homes in the area to date. Strategically located near two metro stations, these renovated homes have provided residents a solid base and convenient access to jobs and other necessities needed for stability. HIP knows how to be a true partner in providing support to families, and looks forward to “transforming neighborhoods and transforming lives” for many more years to come.

HIP is proud to be a member of HAND and uses its membership to collaborate with colleagues and peers invested in creating housing affordability and strong communities to Maryland-based families.

For a deeper look into HIP’s 25 year history, click here.

HAND is pleased to spotlight HIP, which certainly contributes to our organization’s COLLABORATION, INNOVATION and TRANSFORMATION within the metropolitan area!

May 11, 2015

HAND is excited to announce the winners of our 11th Annual Children’s Art Contest, where youth (ages 5-12) residing in HAND member properties showed us “Who Needs Housing?” The winner receives a $250 cash prize, and the winner’s Resident Services Program will receive a cash prize of $250 for administering the contest. Eight runners-up will receive a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations to Angelle Southweill, who will share with us at the Annual Meeting who she feels needs housing here in the Washington Region!

Grand Prize Winner:

• Angelle Southwell, Humphrey Management

Runners-Up:

• Niya Tett, Mission First Housing Group

• Yunika Nepal, Wesley Housing Development Corporation

• Bryan Rodriguez, Victory Housing

• Carlos Claule, APAH

• Jabez Valencia, AHC

• Anais Basora, National Housing Trust

• Joshua Ndjeulo, THC Affordable Housing

• Emma Soulsby, Homes for America