Hughes Neighborhood Housing

 

Hughes House, one of our church's most ambitious efforts, is a shining example of what is possibile when one lets God work through you. Hughes House is a home built in the spirit of compassion, justice, and human dignity through the cooperative efforts of church, government and community in Montgomery County.

 

Hughes House, located next to the church at 10720 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902, is designed and built for low-income persons with mental illness, mental retardation and physical disabilities. The building comprises 24 one-bedroom apartments adjoining a beautiful community center that includes a library and a large multi-purpose room complete with kitchenette.

 

Hughes House was founded by Hughes Neighborhood Housing Inc. (HNH), a co-venture of the Hughes United Methodist Church and Community Residences, Inc.

 

Milestones

1991-1992

 

Hughes created the Land Use Task Force to explore possible uses of 1.5 acres next to the church. The Task Force studied community needs, possible models, existing programs, and financing options. It also consulted with and gained support of County government agencies, which yielded a professional consultant with a background in serving special populations. Hughes Charge Conference voted to accept the building plan developed by the Land Use Task Force. The church made a financial commitment to purchase the land.

 

1993-1994

 

The Task Force applies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a grant to develop the project. HUD granted a Section 811 Fund Reservation of $1,590,600 and a Project Rental Assistance contract of $83,300. The Task Force became Hughes Neighborhood Housing, Inc. (HNH), a non-profit organization with a 7-member board.

 

1995-1996

 

The Board of Appeals for Montgomery County granted special exceptions and variances needed to move forward in the development. HUMC purchased the land, which is now leased to HNH for the building project. The Montgomery County Planning Board of Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission granted final approval of the site plan. A ground-breaking service was held at the site next to HUMC. Hughes Neighborhood Housing, Inc. went to settlement for the Section 811 grant funds from HUD and construction began in late 1996.

 

1997-1998

 

Creaser/O'Brien Architects provided the architectural design and project management and Linden Contracting did the construction work. Funds to support the development of Hughes House were provided by HUD, Maryland Affordable Housing Trust, Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Charles Abell Foundation and the members of Hughes UMC. The building was completed in early 1998 and the tenants moved into their new apartments in Hughes House.