MHCDO’s Be Informed

Source: MHCDO / MHCDO

The Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc. (MHCDO) is a nonprofit community-based organization that has undertaken community development activities in the District of Columbia’s Ward 7, since 1979.

MHCDO has successfully developed on its own or in partnership with others a 60-unit supportive housing facility, a 469-unit garden-style apartment complex, 220,000 square feet of retail/office space, 20,000 square feet of warehouse/industrial space, and over 150 homes sold to low and moderate-income buyers.

To enhance its development activities, MHCDO operates several programs designed to expand economic opportunities, increase self-sufficiency, and improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Services include housing and financial counseling, supportive housing for individuals, families, and persons with special needs, home buying education and assistance, business development services, socialization services for mentally ill seniors, and emergency food.

MHCDO takes a multidisciplinary approach to community development. This means that it is concerned with the board range of issues and elements that impact urban life. These issues and elements are reflected in the set of fundamental beliefs that guide the activity at MHCDO. These issues and elements are what MHCDO believes inspires and motivates people to take action.

MHCDO’s success stems from its community governance, collaborations and partnerships, and holistic approach to community development.

Source: MHCDO / MHCDO

Be Informed is hosted by Beverly Mann and Furard Tate.

Beverly Mann was born and raised in Washington, DC., a city she loves, and she loves living a purpose-driven joyous life. Beverly has a passion for teaching young people and solving problems. Beverly spent many years working in the Federal Government as a Human Resource Manager and was responsible for writing policies, training, recruiting, and for serving as a consultant to executives and employees. Beverly also wrote scripts and produced videos highlighting agency programs and services. She developed a talent for producing video campaigns. At an early age, Beverly developed a love of radio stations where she worked with on-air personalities to develop promos, jingles, and provide on-air commentary. Beverly is excited to continue doing what she loves – helping others – and “Be Informed” is an avenue where she can do that. She believes knowledge is power and she wants to assist DC residents to be empowered in every area of their lives.

Furard Tate is a native Washingtonian and owner of Inspire Hospitality Group. Since 2001, Tate, as he prefers to be called, has trained thousands of returning citizens, veterans, and unemployed youth. Through his former business, Inspire BBQ, located in the Historical H Street District in Washington, DC, Tate provided food, jobs and raised funds for this community for over 20 years. Currently, he serves as a Capstone Advisor at Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies; Co-founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week; Business Coach at Dreaming Out Loud Inc and at Life Assets, where he assisted with awarding over 1,000 small business microloans from 2018-2019. Tate has spoken and trained at both civic and business

engagements to diverse communities nationally and globally. Furard Tate exemplifies “teaching a man to fish” and helping “the least of our brothers [and sisters].” He walks his talk every day.