A LEGACY OF SERVICE: HOC AND HOCP

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.

A LEGACY OF SERVICE:
50 Years of Housing and Supportive Services with HOC
25 Years of Community Empowerment with HOCP

1940s–1960s: THE FORMATIVE YEARS
1939

Maryland State Law Authorizes Housing Authorities

Maryland Seal
1966

Montgomery County Council

Council Building

The Montgomery County Council establishes the Housing Authority of Montgomery County (HAMC).

1967

Spearheading Affordable Housing in Montgomery County

HAMC recommends expanding its affordable housing scope and mission.

Elizabeth Scull

County Council Chair Elizabeth Scull

Elizabeth Scull served as Chair of the County Council and became an active member of the county’s first Housing Authority.

1968

HAMC launched as independent agency

Placeholder

HAMC acquires its first multifamily property

Elizabeth House
1970s: GROWTH AND RECONSTRUCTION
1974

Legislation Establishes Broader Housing Mission

HAMC restructures into the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC).

HOC-Logo
Late 1970s

Resident Service Division Growth

10M+ funding

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.

1980s: FINANCIAL INNOVATION AND MIXED-INCOME DEVELOPMENT
Early 1980s

Financial Innovation

Money

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.

Late 1980s

Focus on Mixed-Income Housing

HOC shifts its focus to ownership and development of mixed-income housing, where 20-50% of households are low- or moderate-income.

1989

Timberlawn Crescent, North Bethesda, MD

Timberlawn Crescent, North Bethesda, MD
1990s: MIXED-INCOME BOOM, SERVICE EXPANSION
1992

Alexander House, Silver Spring

Alexander House

122 affordable apartment homes.

1993

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Launches

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

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

1996

Strathmore Court, North Bethesda

Strathmore Court

51 affordable units.

1997

The Metropolitan, Bethesda

The Metropolitan

Nearly one third of units at The Metropolitan are affordable.

1999

Community Partners Formed

Community Partners Logo

Housing Opportunities Community Partners, Inc. incorporated as HOC’s nonprofit 501(c)3 service organization.

Community Partners Icon

HOCP’s First Initiative

Back-to-School Backpack Program

The inaugural Back-to-School Backpack program starts.

2000s: COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
2003

Vehicles for Change

HOCP Vehicles for Change Program Logo

HOC partners with Vehicles for Change, helping over 200 adults purchase reconditioned vehicles.

2004

Youth Summer Programs

Youth Program

HOC begins offering summer programs to engage youth in cultural and artistic activities.

2007

Support for Homeownership

Homeownership Support

HOCP provides funding to help 400+ families with move-in costs as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

2008

MetroPointe Development

MetroPointe

53 affordable units out of 173 total units at MetroPointe.

2010s: EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
2011

Financial Literacy Programs Begin

HOC launches its Financial Literacy Program, helping residents manage money, budgeting, and credit repair.

2015

HOC Academy

Man and woman celebrating a scholarship outside of a Housing Opportunities Commission building

HOC Academy is formed, providing workforce and educational programs for low-income residents.

2016

Inspire Galas

Inspire Galas

First Inspire Celebration fundraising event is held, resulting in significant expansion of HOC and HOCP programs.

2018

The Lindley, Chevy Chase

The Lindley

40 affordable units out of 200 total units at The Lindley.

2020s: MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AND STRATEGIC GROWTH
2020

The Fenton, Silver Spring

First Housing Production Fund (HPF) project opens.

The Fenton, Silver Spring, MD
2021

Housing Production Fund Created

100M+ funding

The Leggett, Silver Spring

The Leggett, Silver Spring, MD
2023

The Laureate, Derwood

First Housing Production Fund (HPF) project opens.

The Laureate, Derwood, MD
2024

Elizabeth Square Development

Elizabeth Square Development

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.

Hillandale Gateway

Hillandale Groundbreaking

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.

HOC Snapshot

GET INSPIRED!

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.