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Maryland Speaker of the House Hears from Northwest Residents
When Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk visited CHAI, the conversation focused on everyday experiences of the people who call northwest Baltimore home. Around the table, residents spoke openly about the issues affecting their lives, from supporting local families and students to navigating the uncertainty of costly repairs at nearby condominium buildings. One resident shared that the condition of her building’s parking lot has made it harder for friends and family to visit, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated. Those stories put a human face on challenges that can otherwise seem abstract to elected officials. By bringing neighbors, community leaders, and elected officials together, CHAI helps ensure that residents are not just talked about but listened to. Speaker Peña-Melnyk remarked that northwest Baltimore is fortunate to have an organization like CHAI creating these opportunities for connection, collaboration, and problem-solving. For everyone in the room, it was a reminder that meaningful change begins with listening.
