MDG is driven by a genuine passion to positively change the lives of our residents. Our people-first philosophy, inspired by our principals, continues to guide MDG’s work. MDG applies a holistic approach to every project, its not just about the brick and mortar. The relationships we build with our residents extend well beyond the development and construction phases of our projects; their well‑being is paramount. Because of that, we take pride in funding and creating meaningful social services programs across many of our developments. MDG’s resident‑first initiatives have included:
- Funding Social Services: MDG was an early adopter of providing fully funded social services within our housing authority properties, and we continue to push the envelope to secure more resources and deliver stronger, more comprehensive support for our residents.
- Local Hiring: We strive to meet or exceed local hiring goals, creating long‑term employment opportunities for residents and strengthening the communities we serve.
- Food Pantries: We regularly support residents experiencing food insecurity. During the most challenging moments of COVID‑19, we stepped in to help — and at Ocean Bay, our food pantry and social services team continue to serve residents every day, more than a decade later.
- Scholarship Program at Williamsburg Houses: Since 2023, 15 residents each year have received scholarships to pursue secondary education. MDG created this program from the ground up to help Williamsburg youth follow their passions and expand their opportunities.
- Resident Support for Everyday Needs: MDG has distributed thousands of backpacks at back‑to‑school events, toys during the holidays, and hosted community‑building activities — from pumpkin patches to decorating stations — along with providing holiday meals for residents.
- Health Fairs: MDG has hosted numerous health fairs to ensure residents receive the care they need, including our Earth Day fair at Hamilton in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which brought together both physical and mental health providers.
- Community Building Events: Each year, we host back-to-school events and seasonal celebrations, like our pumpkin patch, to foster connections among neighbors and build pride within the community.
- After-School Programming: From movie nights to computer labs, we bring engaging activities to children onsite, giving them safe, enriching spaces to learn and play.
MDG prioritizes:
- Open-Door Approach: We believe that every resident deserves a voice. By proactively seeking feedback and listening with care, we respond to concerns, anticipate needs, and create communities where people feel truly at home.
- Partner Collaboration: Our partners’ success is our priority. We work side by side to understand their goals, deliver holistic solutions, prepare for challenges, and provide trusted guidance, resulting in the best course of action.
- Dedication to Staff and Community: Our team is family. We invest in our staff through job opportunities, training, and a supportive workplace rooted in the neighborhoods we serve. Through extensive community outreach, we hire locally and proudly lead the way in engaging Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) across our projects.
