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Over the course of its first five decades the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) has continually risen to the challenge of finding new ways to provide safe, high-quality affordable housing that strengthens our communities. For the past twenty-five years, HOC’s nonprofit affiliate Housing Opportunities Community Partners (HOCP) has supported this mission through outreach programs to help our neighbors attain housing stability, increase their self-sufficiency, and, ultimately, to break the cycle of poverty.
This year, HOC is commemorating 50 years of service to residents of Montgomery County and 25 years of delivering innovative, life-changing programs through HOCP.
We invite you to explore some of the key milestones along the way that have shaped HOC into one of the most progressive and effective affordable housing agencies in the United States.
The Montgomery County Council establishes the Housing Authority of Montgomery County (HAMC).
HAMC recommends expanding its affordable housing scope and mission.
Elizabeth Scull served as Chair of the County Council and became an active member of the county’s first Housing Authority.
HAMC restructures into the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC).
The Resident Services Division, with only three staff members, begins to offer supportive services to HOC residents. Today, in 2024, the division is a major resident resource with a staff of 70 staff and $16.4M budget.
HOC begins issuing tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds to refinance privately owned developments to meet the need for affordable housing amid substantial cuts in federal funding for public housing.
HOC shifts its focus to ownership and development of mixed-income housing, where 20-50% of households are low- or moderate-income.
122 affordable apartment homes.
HOC launches the Family Self-Sufficiency program, which now averages
approximately 400 participants each year, helping residents improve
education and achieve better wages.
Total FSS graduates to date: 1,159
51 affordable units.
Nearly one third of units at The Metropolitan are affordable.
Housing Opportunities Community Partners, Inc. incorporated as HOC’s nonprofit 501(c)3 service organization.
The inaugural Back-to-School Backpack program starts.
HOC partners with Vehicles for Change, helping over 200 adults purchase reconditioned vehicles.
HOC begins offering summer programs to engage youth in cultural and artistic activities.
HOCP provides funding to help 400+ families with move-in costs as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
53 affordable units out of 173 total units at MetroPointe.
HOC launches its Financial Literacy Program, helping residents manage money, budgeting, and credit repair.
HOC Academy is formed, providing workforce and educational programs for low-income residents.
First Inspire Celebration fundraising event is held, resulting in significant expansion of HOC and HOCP programs.
40 affordable units out of 200 total units at The Lindley.
First Housing Production Fund (HPF) project opens.
First Housing Production Fund (HPF) project opens.
Major work begins on the vibrant resurgence of a key section of downtown Silver Spring. Three mixed-income, mixed-use multifamily residential buildings will provide more than 900 homes, adjacent to the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center and Holy Cross Health Center.
HOC breaks ground on and construction begins on Radia and Lumina, the largest, most sustainable Passive House senior and multifamily development in Maryland, adding hundreds of new affordable homes in East County in 2018.
Learn about the life-changing impact of the programs and services funded through our nonprofit Housing Opportunities Community Partners (HOCP).
Check out the HOCP website and monthly blog.
Please consider donating to HOCP. Your generous contribution will help us to continue and expand the life-changing programs and services that HOCP provides to our low- and moderate-income resident families.