COLUMBIA, MD – Today, Mission First Housing Group, in conjunction with its partners the Howard County Housing Commission and the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM), broke ground on the construction of Patuxent Commons – a brand new 76-unit mixed-income apartment community for adults with disabilities, older adults and families – at 6441 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD.

More than 150 supporters and project partners celebrated at the Groundbreaking Ceremony that included special guests The Honorable Guy J. Guzzone, Maryland State Senate – District 13; The Honorable Jessica Feldmark, Maryland House of Delegates – District 12A; The Honorable Christiana Rigby, Howard County Council – District 3; Catherine Provost, Office of U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen; Assistant Secretary John Brennan, Maryland Department of Disabilities; Samit Paul, Howard County Housing Commission; Mark Dunham, Kindred Strategies; Lianna Petroski, Enterprise Community Partners and Amy Kleine, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

“Quality, affordable housing is essential to the economic security of Marylanders. That’s why we worked to deliver $500,000 in federal funding to support Mission First’s efforts to build a vibrant new community anchored by inclusive housing – with a focus on seniors and Marylanders with disabilities. Today’s groundbreaking for Patuxent Commons would not be possible without partners, including the Autism Society of Maryland and Howard County Housing Commission, and I commend them all for their commitment to helping more Marylanders find a great place to call home in Howard County,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Patuxent Commons is envisioned as an innovative solution to the growing housing crisis facing adults with disabilities. The concept for Patuxent Commons was developed by the AUSOM to help address the housing instability and isolation faced by low-income adults with disabilities and seniors and enhance their social connectedness through building of relationships and community engagement. The project presents housing as a catalyst to facilitate community integration for people of all ages, abilities and incomes.

“What a great day to celebrate at the site the future Patuxent Commons,” said Thomas A.K. Queenan, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mission First. “We are on our way to creating an important community asset for Columbia where individuals with disabilities, seniors and families can access housing that provides stability and a place to thrive. Mission First is happy to be part of this pivotal project.”

The site provides an ideal location for residents with shopping, employment, recreation and transit opportunities in proximity to the housing community. Patuxent Commons will also include more than 8,000 square feet of community meeting space that will be used for resident programming and services, as well as events including the wider community.

“Patuxent Commons is only one project, but AUSOM is committed to seeing it serve as a proven model that will inspire many more,” said Melissa Rosenberg, Executive Director of AUSOM. “We’re proud to partner with Mission First on this truly groundbreaking effort to expand affordable, inclusive housing options for people with disabilities.”

Patuxent Commons is a $44 million project that is being financed using Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development grant funding, Tax Exempt Bonds issued by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Community Development Administration, along with Rental Housing Program subordinate debt, an FHA loan through Capital One with 221d4 mortgage insurance, JP Morgan Chase as the bond buyer, and Enterprise as the tax credit investor. Mission First raised additional grant funds for the project through Federal, State, and private sources, including The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

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About Mission First Housing Group

Mission First Housing Group develops and manages affordable, safe and sustainable homes for people in need, with a non-profit, mission-driven focus on the most vulnerable. Mission First currently provides affordable housing and services to more than 6,000 people in nearly 4,000 apartments, serving populations in need, such as veterans, survivors of domestic violence, seniors and the disabled. www.missionfirsthousing.org

About Autism Society of Maryland

For over 30 years, the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM), formerly the Howard County Autism Society, has connected and empowered the Autism community with the resources they need to live fully.  With your support, AUSOM can continue to provide the kind of top notch supports and services for which we are known. And, in so doing, you will help us create a place in which the Autism community comes to be supported, accepted and included. And all of our programs, resources and support are available at no cost to the community. www.autismsocietymd.org

About Howard County Housing Commission

The mission of the Howard County Housing Commission is to provide safe, quality, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families who live or work in Howard County and to assist them in moving toward economic independence. www.househoward.org