Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc.

Street Address:
3939 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019



Phone: 202-396-1200
Fax: 202-396-4106
Website: www.mhcdo.org

Contact Name: Doris Sarumi
Phone: 202-396-1200
Fax:
Email: info@mhcdo.org



Staff Size: Full Time: 40 

Background
The Marshall Heights Community Development Organization is a nonprofit community-based organization that has undertaken community development activities in the Ward 7 area of Washington, DC since 1979. MHCDO has successfully developed on its own or in partnership with others a 60-unit supportive housing facility, a 469-unit garden-style apartment complex, 220,000 square feet of retail/office space, 20,000 square feet of warehouse/industrial space, and over 150 homes sold to low- and moderate-income buyers. To enhance its development activities, MHCDO operates a number of programs designed to expand economic opportunities, increase self-sufficiency, and improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Services include housing and financial counseling, supportive housing, home buying education and assistance, job search training and placement, adult education, business development services, emergency food and nutrition services, and youth development programs. MHCDO has 40 staff members and is governed by a 65-member broad-based community board of directors. MHCDO's success stems from its community governance, collaborations and partnerships, and holistic approach to community development.

Mission
MHCDO's mission is to help grow Ward 7 into the District of Columbia's most welcoming, prospering, livable community for everyone.

Total Operating Expense (9/30/2007): $4,716,836

Lines of Business
  • Asset and Property Management

  • Community Based Economic Development

  • Community Building and Organizing

  • Home Ownership Promotion Services

  • Lending and Loan Portfolio Management

  • Real Estate Development


  • Accomplishments in FY 2008
  • Provided 329 families with pre- and post- purchase housing counseling.
  • Rehabilitated or repaired 0 rental or owner occupied units (1-4 units).
  • Assisted 30 families in purchasing a home through homeownership counseling, downpayment, closing cost or financing assistance.
  • Owned or managed 85 rental units.
  • Invested $2,054 in the community through Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc.'s revolving loan fund, which leveraged $7,372,081 from conventional lenders and other sources.
  • Total direct investment in the community is $7,374,135.

  • Additional Accomplishments
    Date Additional Accomplishment
    11/28/2007 • In this unprecedented endeavor, MHCDO has secured over $30 million in pre-development funding and HUD conversion approval in support of the redevelopment of Mayfair Mansions, a historic apartment complex, into a mix of affordable rental and homeownership units. • Having sold the 4th & Mississippi Avenue property, MHCDO will continue to participate as a minor partner with a 1% interest in the development of 95 units of workforce housing at this east of the Anacostia River location; • Leveraged two-year grant from Enterprise Community Partners for $75,000 to grow resident services programs at Meadow Green Courts apartment complex. This grant enabled the organization to secure $200,000 in additional funds to further programs to benefit resident youth and residents which will hopefully serve as a model to be replicated at MHCDO’s other multi-family properties in the future; • Increased programmatic operations at the Family Enhancement Center located at the Lincoln Heights public housing complex to avail adult education, employment, and civic involvement opportunities to residents; • Finalized plans with the DC Zoning Commission of the Planned Unit Development proposed by MHCDO and its partners, moving forward the Parkside Mixed-Use Development, a model transit-oriented community comprised of 1,500-2,000 for sale and rental housing units, 500,000-700,000 sq. ft. of office space, and 30,000-50,000 sq. ft. of retail space adjacent to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station; • Reached tentative agreement with DC government for site control of land located in Deanwood neighborhood of Ward 7 that will be developed as Hamilton’s Landing (formerly known as Bundle 16, a scattered-site development of 27 single-family townhomes); • Negotiated $3 million in financing for the construction of Hilltop Terrace II, 14 single-family homes; • Involvement as a community lead partner in the Skyland mixed-use project, the construction of a town center development with mixed use retail, rental, and single-family townhomes; • Completion of 2006 financial audit to ensure fiduciary compliance accountability; • Creation of the positions of the chief of staff and special assistant for grants management and resource development. The office of the chief of staff is charged with streamlining staff efficiency, management of daily operations, and organizational project oversight—freeing the executive office of administrative duties that lengthen the pursuit of greater resource

    Community Services

  • Community Building

  •  Business/Merchant Relationship

  •  Clean-up Project

  •  Community Outreach and Organizing

  •  Community Planning

  •  Leadership Training

  •  Small Business Development

  •  Tenant Organizing

  • Family Health Programs

  •  Food Bank

  •  Job Training / Youth Employment Project

  • Financial Planning and Assistance

  •  Down-payment Assistance

  •  Financial Education

  •  Foreclosure Prevention Training

  •  IDA Savings Program

  •  Interest Subsidy Program

  •  Reverse Mortgage

  • Green Building and Home Improvement

  •  Energy Conservation Programs

  •  Home Maintenance Training

  • Housing Programs and Home Ownership Counseling

  •  Home Ownership Counseling

  •  HomeBuyers Club

  •  Section 8 Housing

  •  Transitional Housing for Homeless Families


  • Board of Directors
    NameBoard Role/TitleSectorCompany/OrganizationJob Title
    Natalie C GreeneBoard Secretary  
    Richard A HamiltonBoard Member Emeritus  
    James N Short, Jr.Board President  
    Elwyn SmithBoard Treasurer  

    About the NeighborWorks ® Network

    The NeighborWorks® network is a nationwide network of more than 240 community development organizations working in nearly 4358 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks® organizations have generated more than $8.5 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 500,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.

    NeighborWorks ® America Contact Information
    District:  Mid-Atlantic
    Name:  Sasha M. Johnson
    Phone:  
    Toll-Free:  
    Fax:  
    Email:  smjohnson@nw.org