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!