Metropolitan Property Management Blog

Empowering Growth Through Partnership: Thank You to SECU Foundation

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 22:10:03 GMT

Investing in Growth Today to Create Sustainable Change Tomorrow

Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation (MHCDC) is honored to announce that we have been awarded a $40,000 Mission Development Grant from the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation.

This generous award represents more than just funding, it is an investment in our mission, our people, and the communities we serve. Through the SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Grant Program, MHCDC will have the opportunity to strengthen internal capacity, expand our reach, and continue building sustainable pathways toward housing stability and economic empowerment.

The SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Grant Program is designed to provide capacity building assistance to organizations committed to serving North Carolina communities. The grant supports institutional assessments, leadership coaching, and strategic development in key areas essential for growth and long-term impact.

Launched as a pilot initiative in April 2017, the program originally provided up to five grants of $40,000 each over a three-year period. Due to its success and the measurable difference it made for participating nonprofits, the program was expanded in 2019 to include up to ten additional grants, and in 2022, it officially became a fundamental element of the Foundation’s ongoing grantmaking.

For MHCDC, this award comes at a pivotal moment in our organizational journey. As we continue expanding our housing counseling, community development, and financial literacy programs, this grant will allow us to enhance our internal infrastructure, invest in leadership development, and position our organization for long-term sustainability.

We are deeply grateful to the SECU Foundation for its belief in our mission and its commitment to strengthening the nonprofit organizations that serve North Carolina’s communities every day. This partnership reflects not only financial support but also a shared vision for lasting impact. A vision that uplifts people, builds stronger systems, and creates opportunities where they are needed most.

From all of us at Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation, thank you to the SECU Foundation for your trust, generosity, and partnership. Your support empowers us to continue our work with renewed purpose and the resources to make a greater difference for the families and communities we serve.

Together, we are building stronger systems, stronger leaders, and stronger communities.

Building Foundations: Financial Literacy & Wellness at Beaufort County Community College

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:51:46 GMT

Equipping students with the tools to build stability, confidence, and brighter futures.

On Thursday, September 18th and Tuesday, September 23rd, Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation had the privilege of partnering with Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) to bring Financial Literacy and Wellness education directly to GED students.

Over two days, Karrissa Sutton, Housing Counseling Program Manager & HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, and Julius Oden, Housing Counselor, led a four-hour class designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to build financial stability and prepare for long-term success.

The course focused on the essentials of financial literacy—budgeting, credit, savings, and responsible spending—while also connecting those lessons to overall wellness. Students were encouraged to see financial health as an important part of their overall quality of life. Managing money effectively reduces stress, builds confidence, and creates opportunities for independence, whether that means renting a first apartment, saving for a major purchase, or setting long-term goals like homeownership.

What made this opportunity truly impactful was the level of engagement from the GED students themselves. They asked thoughtful questions, shared personal experiences, and connected classroom lessons to real-life situations. Their energy and openness reminded us that financial literacy is not just about numbers—it’s about people, their stories, and their goals for the future.

We are especially grateful to Beaufort County Community College for opening the door to this partnership and recognizing the importance of financial education as part of student development. By including Financial Literacy and Wellness as part of the GED program, BCCC is giving students tools they can carry with them far beyond the classroom.

As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation is committed to empowering individuals with knowledge that leads to stability and success. Opportunities like this class reflect our mission: to provide resources that strengthen families and communities, while encouraging individuals to take control of their financial future.

To the GED students of BCCC—thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and participation. It was a privilege to share this important journey with you, and we look forward to continuing to expand financial literacy and wellness opportunities in our community.

Authored By:

Karrissa Sutton

Housing Counseling Program Manager

Walking in Their Shoes: Reflections on the Re-entry Simulation in Martin County

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:22:37 GMT

A firsthand look at the barriers faced by individuals returning from incarceration, and the urgent call for community partnership.

On September 9, 2025, I attended the Re-entry Simulation hosted by Trillium in Martin County. What I thought would be a structured exercise quickly became one of the most eye-opening and impactful experiences I have had in understanding the struggles faced by individuals re-entering society after incarceration.

The event began with powerful insights from Judge Regina Parker, Chief District Court Judge for District 2, and Jeron Randall, Reentry Coordinator, who spoke about the systemic challenges justice-involved individuals encounter immediately after release. Their remarks set the tone for the simulation, preparing us for the weight of the choices we would soon face.

I was handed a packet that represented the life of someone just released. In it, I learned whether I had identification, housing, or education, along with a list of my release obligations such as rent, child support, probation check-ins, and mandatory drug screenings. To make things more difficult, I drew a “wild card” that simulated a learning impairment, making it harder to understand key instructions. Others received cards tied to mental health conditions or addiction recovery, each adding another layer of challenge.

The simulation represented a month of life post-incarceration, broken into four weeks. During the first two weeks, I faced impossible choices: do I use my limited money to secure identification so I can eventually apply for work, or do I buy food to survive? With unreliable transportation, I had to decide whether to check in with probation or try to reach social services. There was never enough time, never enough resources, and always the risk of failing one obligation while trying to meet another.

By the final week, I managed to secure a job, finally a glimmer of hope. But just as quickly, it was taken away. I had missed a probation requirement, and despite my efforts, I was sent back into incarceration. The frustration, exhaustion, and sense of defeat in that moment were overwhelming. For me, it was just a simulation. For thousands of people, it is daily life.

As the event closed, we heard from Judge Parker once more, who issued a compelling call to action: that it is not enough to simply be aware of these challenges, but that each of us, as community members, organizations, and leaders, must play an active role in creating fair opportunities and second chances. Her message was clear: real change requires collective responsibility.

Finally, Rubi K. Blancas Orduna, ANDLRC Coordinator, brought everything full circle with a powerful reminder that while the simulation ends after an hour, for returning citizens the struggle continues every single day. Her words underscored the urgent need for stronger community partnerships and sustainable reentry support systems.

Walking away from this experience, I carried a new perspective. The Re-entry Simulation did not just inform me about barriers. It made me feel the crushing weight of them. It revealed how narrow the margin for success truly is and how urgently our communities need to create systems that support, not punish, individuals striving to rebuild their lives.

At Metropolitan, we remain committed to understanding these realities and advocating for systematic, sustainable solutions that provide opportunity, stability, and dignity to all.

Moving Forward Together

Partnerships are essential to breaking down barriers for justice-involved individuals. We are proud to collaborate with A New Direction Local Reentry Council (ANDLRC), our local reentry council, alongside Trillium and other community partners to strengthen the support network available to returning citizens. Together, we can expand access to housing, employment, treatment, and mentorship so that individuals leaving incarceration are not set up to fail, but empowered to succeed.

If you are interested in learning more about re-entry work or joining in this mission, we encourage you to connect with Metropolitan Property Management, Metropolitan Housing & CDC, or the A New Direction Local Reentry Council.

Change is possible when we walk alongside one another.

Authored by:
Karrissa Sutton
Human Resources Specialist, Metropolitan Property Management
Housing Counseling Program Manager, Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation

Welcome to the Metropolitan Blog

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:58:03 GMT

From Development to Management— Metropolitan Serves with Purpose.

At Metropolitan Property Management Inc. (MPM) and Metropolitan Housing & Community Development Corporation (MHCDC), our mission has always been bigger than bricks and mortar. We don’t just manage properties—we create opportunity, stability, and growth for the individuals and families we serve.

This blog is a place where we’ll share stories, resources, and updates that reflect our commitment to the people we serve. From practical financial literacy tools and housing tips to highlights of local events, company news, and stories of community impact, our goal is to provide meaningful information that supports our community and residents and showcases the ways Metropolitan is making a difference.

Our work is rooted in compassion and professionalism, guided by the belief that every person deserves a safe home, a fair chance, and a pathway forward.

Our History: A Legacy of Vision and Service

The story of Metropolitan begins with the late Rev. David L. Moore, whose original vision was to construct safe, decent, and affordable housing for those most in need. Out of that vision, Metropolitan Housing & CDC was born, carrying forward a mission of hope, dignity, and opportunity.

In 2011, his son, the late Jonathan J.L. Moore, built upon that foundation by creating Metropolitan Property Management Inc., dedicated to managing these homes with the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and integrity.

Today, their legacies live on through the capable leadership of Rev. Moore's youngest sons, Joseph Moore and James Moore, who continue to grow Metropolitan into a legacy that impacts countless lives. Together, they have expanded upon the original vision: not only to build housing, but to nurture opportunity, dignity, and community for all we serve.

Looking Ahead

Through this blog, we’ll carry forward the legacy of our founders by continuing to share not only what we do, but why we do it. Our mission has always been rooted in serving people first, ensuring that every individual and family has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Here, you can expect:

Company news and community highlights that keep you informed about Metropolitan’s growth, our programs, and the partnerships that drive our impact.
Practical resources and tools to help residents and families navigate housing, build financial stability, and access supportive services.
Stories of resilience and success that celebrate the strength of our community and the difference that safe, affordable housing can make.
Updates on local events and initiatives where residents, partners, and neighbors can come together, connect, and be part of the Metropolitan mission.

This blog is more than just a source of information, it’s a space to celebrate community, share knowledge, and continue building futures together. We’re excited to share this journey with you, and we’re grateful to everyone who has been part of the Metropolitan story so far.

Welcome to the Metropolitan Blog.

Specializing in systematic and sustainable management and development efforts.