HIP HOMES is a single family acquisition rehab program developed by the Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. in Prince George’s County.
Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. (HIP) is an innovative green developer based in Prince George’s County. HIP’s mission is to remove blight, revitalize communities, create housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income people, and improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods we serve. HIP is also a HUD-certified housing counseling agency providing foreclosure counseling and first-time homebuyer counseling services as well as financial capability training through its Bounce Back program. HIP has developed over 270 affordable apartments, renovated 60 homes for sale to first time homebuyer’s and counsels over 2,000 clients every year in pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention and financial capability.
In response to the foreclosure crisis in Prince George’s County, HIP has expanded its HIP HOMES program. With this program, HIP purchases vacant, often foreclosed, dilapidated homes and substantially renovates them to Energy Star standards. They take the worst homes on the street and transform them into the nicest homes. HIP aggressively replaces all the systems, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing as needed, installs significant insulation and air sealing, update kitchens and baths, lighting fixtures, flooring, and installs Water Sense fixtures. HIP’s signature design feature is a front porch, which not only improves the curb appeal of the home, but encourages residents to spend more time in front of their homes getting to know their neighbors. HIP takes great pride in driving through its communities and seeing neighbors replicating these porches, a true sign of change and neighborhood investment.
HIP works primarily inside the Beltway in Prince George’s County. Much of its work has been targeted to the Palmer Park neighborhood in Landover as well as Suitland through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Homes are sold to first-time homebuyers earning 80% or less of median income. In addition to being income qualified, homebuyers must complete HUD-certified homebuyer education and meet one-on-one with one of HIP’s counselors to ensure they are truly ready for the joys and challenges of homeownership.
Pictured here is the before photo of a duplex on Hylton Street in Seat Pleasant, Prince George’s County, and the finished product.
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