History of RHHP

Built in 1914, this mansion at 2401 Eutaw Place has been through a number of phases. Initially it served as a residence and subsequently it became a nursing home (1960s).

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) acquired the building in the mid 1980s and through 2002 it served as a center for Eastern Mennonite Mission Youth Evangelism Service (YES) program. In this capacity, it provided a site for training for terms of ministry overseas as well as a place for community living and service in an urban setting for the numerous young adults who came through the program.

In 2002 the YES program consolidated to Harrisburg, PA and ACC made the building available to North Baltimore Mennonite Church (NBMC) for its use. Coinciding with this, during 2001-2, there were forming two interest groups at NBMC. One group laid the foundations for beginning a Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) unit in Baltimore city while the other developed plans to begin a program working with refugees. The availability of this beautiful building in Reservoir Hill fit in nicely with these plans.

In January 2003 the YES Center officially became the Reservoir Hill House of Peace (RHHP). The MVS unit has developed into a well established group of volunteers supported by an NBMC MVS Committee. The first refugee guests were housed at RHHP in December 2003. This program has since evolved into the Asylum Seekers Housing Network (ASHN), providing housing for asylum seekers awaiting decision on their applications for asylum in the US. The RHHP is one of the housing options that are a part of the network. The first ASHN client was housed at RHHP in November 2004.

In addition, there have been a number of community residents who have come and stayed at RHHP for varying lengths of time, gaining admission to RHHP by an application process. These residents—professionals and students who work or go to school in Baltimore—rent a room at RHHP and also play a vital role in the hospitality and friendship that the RHHP has become known for.

In the basement of the RHHP several programs are housed, including the ASHN office (since January 2008), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) East Coast (since June 2007), and Kids on the Hill (KOH) (since November 2005), a neighborhood program that provides outreach to middle and high school youth in the local neighborhood. These programs represent efforts by committed people that are consistent with the mission and vision of RHHP.