Mission First Housing Group, Howard County Housing Commission and Autism Society of Maryland partnering on important project

COLUMBIA, MD – Mission First Housing Group, in conjunction with its partners the Howard County Housing Commission and the Autism Society of Maryland, is excited to announce that construction will begin this month on Patuxent Commons – a brand new 76-unit affordable apartment community for adults with disabilities, older adults and families – at 6441 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD.

Patuxent Commons focuses on utilizing housing as a springboard to maximize individual potential and facilitate community integration for people of all ages, abilities and incomes. The development is envisioned as an innovative solution to the growing housing crisis facing adults with disabilities that can be adapted elsewhere in Maryland and serve as a model for similar housing developments throughout the United States.

“Mission First is pleased to be a key partner in this project. We are grateful to Howard County leadership for their ongoing commitment to this project,” said Thomas A.K. Queenan, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mission First. “Along with our community and service partners, we have been planning for this project for many years, and I am so happy this vision is finally becoming a reality, addressing critical housing needs in Howard County.”

The concept for Patuxent Commons was developed by the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) to help address the housing instability faced by low-income adults with disabilities and enhance their social connectedness through building of relationships and community engagement. AUSOM continues to be actively involved in supporting the development of the project.

“With Patuxent Commons now under construction, adults with disabilities in Howard County are one step closer to having access to much-needed inclusive, affordable housing,” said Melissa Rosenberg, Executive Director of AUSOM. “We appreciate Mission First’s determined efforts to advance the project and the steadfast commitment of the Howard County government to its development.”

The site, across the street from the Hickory Ridge Village Center, provides an ideal location for residents with shopping, employment, recreation and transit opportunities in proximity to Patuxent Commons. The project also includes more than 8,000 square feet of community meeting space that will be used for programming to serve residents and members of the larger community.

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 Works 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.

A formal ground-breaking event is being planned for September. The expected completion of Patuxent Commons is early 2026.

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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.