Photo credit Polly Irungu, Maryland Governor’s Press Office
Governor Wes Moore today joined public officials and private leaders to officially break ground on Addison Park Senior Residences, a high-quality affordable housing project for seniors in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
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Governor Moore Breaks Ground on Addison Park, Bringing High-Quality Affordable Housing to Seniors in Capitol Heights
By PRESS OFFICER
Office of the Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 24, 2026)—Governor Wes Moore today joined public officials and private leaders to officially break ground on Addison Park Senior Residences, a high-quality affordable housing project for seniors in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
“All Marylanders deserve a safe and accessible place to call their own,” said Gov. Moore. “Our state works to build affordable housing like Addison Park, so we can create spaces for communities to feel safe and come together. And, this building will serve as a beautiful living space where Capital Heights seniors can gather, enjoy themselves, and access everything they need to thrive.”
Addison Park will host 293 units for seniors aged 62 and older across two four-story buildings. The property will include a fitness center, furnished clubroom, laundry facility, and an outdoor recreational area fit with grills. Secured access control and elevators featured on the property will add to the safety and accessibility for residents. Addison Park will also host Mission of Love Charities on-site to provide supportive services for its residents and community members. The project is set to be completed in late 2027 and all of the units are affordable to senior residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income.
Addison Park was made possible through a public-private partnership, supported by a nearly $85 million investment from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through its Community Development Administration.
“The revitalization of Addison Park represents the kind of smart, community-focused investment that elevates Prince George’s County. By expanding access to amenities, enhancing public spaces, and fostering sustainable growth, we are creating a place where families can thrive, businesses can succeed, and communities can flourish,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy.
“Addison Park represents more than just housing—it represents opportunity and a commitment to ensuring residents have access to a safe, affordable and supportive community they can proudly call home. We are honored to break ground on a development that will help seniors remain connected, independent and thriving for years to come,” said Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Redevelopment Authority Perry Paylor.
“While working hand in hand with our partners on Addison Park, we are building a community for seniors that will serve as their home and a place to bring together family and friends—all a short walk from the Addison Road Metro station. Seniors will enjoy the fitness center, furnished clubroom, and the outdoor recreational area with grills,” said President-Development at Atlantic Pacific Companies Kenneth Naylor. “Addison Park fulfills our commitment to offer our seniors the quality of life they deserve.”
“This groundbreaking represents ten years of unwavering commitment to making quality senior housing a reality in this community. To see it finally come to fruition—and to do so alongside Atlantic Pacific Companies—is a milestone that speaks to what’s possible when you refuse to give up on a vision,” said Managing Partner at Cober Johnson & Romney Development Partners Harold W. Johnson. “Addison Park will be more than a building; it will be a home where seniors can live with dignity, comfort, and community. I couldn’t be prouder of this moment.”
“At Truist Community Capital, we’re committed to helping expand access to affordable housing through investments that create lasting impact,” said Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Equity Relationship Manager at Truist Community Capital Lesli Carroll. “Addison Park reflects the power of partnership and our ongoing commitment to finance solutions that create opportunities
This project is the latest milestone in Moore-Miller administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth and strengthening community stability, emphasizing that affordable, accessible, and equitable housing is vital to Maryland’s long-term success. Earlier this year, Governor Moore approved an updated Qualified Allocation Plan to guide more than $300 million in state and federal investments toward affordable housing. The plan explicitly rewards project readiness and incentivizes “Lovable Places” that integrate community services—such as senior support and childcare—directly into new housing developments.
In the 2026 legislative session, the governor signed landmark legislation including the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act and the Housing Certainty Act.
These laws are designed to cut regulatory red tape, remove upfront financial barriers for builders, and unlock underutilized state land to build more than 7,000 new housing units across Maryland.
Additionally, the administration has also invested millions of dollars to help low-income older adults safely age in place. This includes targeted funding for home modifications paired with wraparound occupational therapy and nursing services, ensuring Maryland seniors can remain safe and independent in their own communities.
“The State of Maryland is proud to support Addison Park, which will create nearly 300 modern, energy-efficient, affordable homes within a half mile of the Addison Road-Seat Pleasant Metro station. Each one of those homes provides a new opportunity for local seniors to stay close to friends and family, and enjoy their golden years in the communities they love and have enriched for years,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This community is a great example of the kind of sensible, sustainable housing development that Maryland needs to reduce costs, spur economic growth, and keep residents, particularly retirees and younger workers, in our state.”
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CASA Celebrates New Community Hub With Ribbon Cutting and Launch Event
By PRESS OFFICER
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (June 2026)—Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County hosted a Ribbon Cutting & Community Launch Event on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at its new community hub located at 16202 Old Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
The event marks a significant milestone in CASA’s 25-year history of advocating for children and youth involved in the foster care system. Through a community partnership, CASA has established a new home in the Bowie/Upper Marlboro area that will serve as a collaborative space for staff, volunteers, trainings, meetings, and community engagement.
After many years of growth and impact in its previous location, CASA made the strategic decision to relocate to better support its long-term vision.
“This new location represents more than a physical space-it represents our continued commitment to being a trusted voice for children and youth in foster care throughout Prince George’s County,” said Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director of CASA/Prince George’s County. “We are excited to deepen our connections within the community while expanding opportunities for volunteers, partners, and supporters to engage with our mission.”
CASA extends its deep gratitude to the Prince George’s County Council and Self-Storage Zone for making it possible for the organization to operate this new space free of charge- an investment that directly strengthens services for children and families across the county.
CASA also extends special appreciation to Councilmember Tim Adams, who sponsored the launch event and is a strong supporter of CASA’s work in the community.
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, networking opportunities, and remarks from CASA leadership, volunteers, and community partners. Guests heard from a former CASA youth whose journey exemplifies the power of advocacy and support.
Each year, CASA/Prince George’s County trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children and youth in foster care. Currently, approximately 315 children are in foster care in Prince George’s County, nearly 75% of whom are age 14 and older. CASA volunteers and advocates serve approximately 180 children and youth annually.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County trains and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children and youth in foster care. For 25 years, CASA has worked to ensure that every child has a safe, permanent, and nurturing home while empowering older youth to successfully transition into adulthood.
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District Heights Dental Practice Joins Multi-State Effort Providing Free Care to Over 450 Uninsured Patients
Milestone effort marks the highest number of patients served during the annual free day of care since 2017
By PRESS OFFICER
Pine Dentistry & Braces
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. (July 1, 2026)—Pine Dentistry & Braces is proud to share the local impact of the 11th annual Sharing Smiles Day. Coincidentally overlapping with National Smile Day on May 31, Pine Dentistry & Braces turned a day of celebration into a massive day of nationwide action, opening its doors to provide free essential dental care to uninsured families.
Network-wide, the event reached a major milestone, serving 466 patients—marking the highest patient turnout for Sharing Smiles Day since 2017. In total, 22 dental practices hosted Sharing Smiles Day across 10 states. Three of those offices were in Maryland, including Pine Dentistry & Braces right here in District Heights.
“I really like to help the community,” Dr. Martha Sanchez, one of the volunteer doctors, said. “I know a lot of people don’t come to the dentist because they don’t have the funds or the insurance. So, when I get a chance like this it’s nice to be able to help them and let them know the options they have. If they are in pain, at least we can help to ease that pain.”
An estimated 360 clinician team members, hygienists and office staff across the nation volunteered their time on a Sunday to make sure uninsured families didn’t slip through the cracks of the oral healthcare system. Patients who participated received vital oral healthcare at no cost, including dental exams, limited emergency care, extractions, and restorative treatments.
“My favorite moment during Sharing Smiles Day was fixing the front teeth of a patient and she was really, really happy that she could smile again,” Dr. Kenia Marmol, a volunteer doctor, said. “That made me happy, too.”
While last year’s milestone 10th anniversary focused on the event’s decade-long legacy, the 2026 initiative looked forward, directly tackling the escalating coverage gaps that leave nearly 70 million American adults and eight million children without dental insurance.
With this year’s number of patients served, the cumulative impact of Sharing Smiles Day has now successfully delivered essential care to more than 4,200 patients since its inception. In addition to the three practices participating in Maryland—including two in Baltimore—the massive volunteer effort spanned Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
Pine Dentistry & Braces is part of a network of dental offices managed by Benevis, the national leader in pediatric Medicaid. Benevis and its family of brands manage 1.3 million visits a year, making them uniquely positioned to bridge dental health disparities. By offering compassionate care, the organization continues its 20-year commitment to breaking down financial hurdles and helping children achieve healthy, confident smiles.
To learn more about the initiative and its ongoing community impact, visit www.SharingSmilesDay.com.
Pine Dentistry & Braces is one of Maryland’s leaders in Medicaid and affordable dental care for children and their families. Supported by Benevis’ family of brands, Pine Dentistry & Braces and its doctors are committed to improving lives by providing high-quality dental care in a fun, compassionate environment. To learn more about Pine Dentistry & Braces, visit www.pinedentistry.com.
Benevis is a leading dental healthcare delivery organization for practices focused on delivering life-changing oral care and orthodontics to underserved communities. Through comprehensive care and operational services that expand access to dentistry, Benevis has a 20-year history of providing the highest quality care to approximately 5 million children and adults. Its network reaches more than 100 locally branded dental offices across the U.S. that deliver treatment through 1.3 million visits each year. Benevis also advocates for programs and legislation that ensure all families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.
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United Communities Against Poverty Transitions Operation of Shepherd’s Cove Shelter After 24 Years of Service
Shelter operations will continue uninterrupted as UCAP deepens its focus on alleviating poverty, promoting self-sufficiency, and advancing economic stability.
By PRESS OFFICER
United Communities Against Poverty, Inc.
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (June 30, 2026)—United Communities Against Poverty, Inc. (UCAP), the designated Community Action Agency serving Prince George’s County, today announced that effective July 1, 2026, Community Crisis Services, Inc. (CCSI) will assume operation of Shepherd’s Cove Shelter following coordination with Prince George’s County.
The shelter will continue operating its Capitol Heights location, ensuring uninterrupted services for the residents and families who depend on it.
The transition reflects UCAP’s strategic decision to strengthen and broaden its portfolio of anti-poverty programs, resources, and services while ensuring that Shepherd’s Cove residents continue to receive high-quality care.
For 24 years, UCAP has operated Shepherd’s Cove, providing far more than emergency shelter. Through compassionate care, comprehensive case management, permanent supportive and transitional housing placements, three daily meals, childcare, summer camp, housing navigation, and supportive services, the organization has helped thousands of Prince George’s County residents experiencing homelessness take meaningful steps toward stability and self-sufficiency.
In its 2025 Impact Report, UCAP noted the shelter served more than 500 individuals, provided more than 86,000 meals, helped 68 residents transition into stable housing, and supported 145 families through housing and related stabilization services.
“This transition marks the close of an important chapter in UCAP’s history, but not our commitment to the people of Prince George’s County,” said Rasheeda Jamison, President and CEO of UCAP. “For 24 years, Shepherd’s Cove has provided safety, stability, and a path forward for families facing the hardest moments of their lives. That legacy of compassion, dignity, and hope will always be part of UCAP’s story.”
In 2025, UCAP served 1,335 families and 3,192 individuals through its emergency food pantry, distributed 5,000 pantry bags, assisted 108 households through homeownership and mortgage counseling programs, weatherized 70 homes, supported 130 seniors through the Thrive Guaranteed Income Pilot, and distributed more than 30,700 diapers and nearly 2,000 menstrual hygiene products to families in need.
“Our mission to alleviate poverty in Prince George’s County is as strong today as ever,” Jamison added. “This transition allows us to deepen our investment in the programs that address the root causes of poverty, helping individuals and families not simply overcome crisis, but build lasting self-sufficiency.”
UCAP will continue working closely with Prince George’s County and CCSI over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition for residents, staff, and community partners.
For more information about UCAP’s programs or to support its mission, visit www.ucappgc.org.
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