Interfaith Housing Alliance Opens Washington Square Apartments

octavodesigns • April 25, 2011

Chambersburg, PA – Guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new active senior apartment complex could be heard saying, “I can’t believe how beautiful this is.” and

“I would be very happy living here.” The two-story facility includes a large community room with three distinct areas. There is a large screen TV flanked by two comfortable sofas on the left, a kitchen and community dining table that can also be used for games and crafts on the right, and a large fireplace with several upholstered chairs in the center for reading and conversation.

On the second floor residents can enjoy the large exercise room, already equipped with a Wiii game system, two televisions, a treadmill and a stationary bike, with plenty of room for yoga mats. Next door is a computer center that residents are welcome to use for their personal internet and email access.

All of the light-filled apartments have an open layout that enables easy access throughout the space to those in a wheelchair or using a walker. The fully appointed kitchens have plenty of counter space, oak cabinetry, and brand new appliances including a dishwasher and microwave. Residents have the option to install a washer and dryer in their apartments (the hookups are already installed) or to visit one of two cheerfully decorated laundry rooms. Each apartment has two-bedrooms and plenty of storage space.

The successful completion of the facility took many years of perseverance at a time when many believed such undertaking was nearly impossible to achieve. The effect on the neighborhood’s appearance is remarkable. What was formerly an unoccupied retail store is now a park-like setting with a walking trail and a large cedar gazebo.

Several of the new residents attended the formal ribbon cutting ceremony and they were proud to show off their new home. Jack V. Jones, the Elm Street Manager for the Borough of Chambersburg, recognized the residents and announced that this was just the beginning of the program’s plan to create more affordable housing for the community.

Patricia A. Motter, President and CEO of Interfaith Housing Alliance, and David Uram, principal at PIRHL LLC, co-developers of the facility, thanked all of the people and organizations that contributed to the successful completion of the apartment complex including Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Council President Bill McLaughlin, Head of Planning Phil Wogelmuth, President of Downtown Chambersburg Inc. Paul Cullinane, and William Snell, President of F&M Trust. Special thanks were given to Holly Glauser, Director of Development for PHFA, for the funding support provided by the agency.

Ms. Glauser was extremely appreciative of the hard work and collaboration between everyone, especially PIRHL and Interfaith Housing Alliance.

Ms. Motter concluded the ceremony with the promise, “We are committed to our relationship with Chambersburg and we consider ourselves good neighbors and long-term friends to the downtown community.”

An open house is scheduled for the Chambersburg community on Saturday to welcome neighbors and downtown business owners to see that dreams for revitalizing the neighborhood can come true. Tours of the public areas and several apartments will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Washington Square Apartments is located opposite the Southgate Shopping Plaza at 78 W. Washington Street.

Interfaith Housing Alliance, the owner and manager of Washington Square Apartments, is a non-profit affordable housing developer and property management organization based in Frederick, MD, and serving central and western Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania.

2025 Out of Reach

By Jodie Ostoich • September 8, 2025
Maryland and Frederick County: A Growing Housing Affordability Crisis Each year around this time, I share data that highlights the growing challenge of housing affordability in Maryland—and this year is no exception. Maryland now ranks as the 8th most expensive state in terms of wages needed to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. A worker must earn $39.15 per hour —or nearly $81,450 annually —just to meet that threshold. Unfortunately, the situation in Frederick County is even more severe. Alongside Calvert and Charles counties, Frederick tops the list, requiring a staggering $44.50 per hour —equivalent to $92,560 annually —to afford a two-bedroom apartment.  Meanwhile, the average renter in Frederick earns just $18.25 per hour , which translates to an affordable rent of only $949 per month —far below what the market demands. This stark disparity is exactly why the mission of Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is so critical. We are committed to addressing these inequities and advocating for solutions that make safe, stable housing accessible to all. Below, you’ll find the 2025 data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition , detailing housing affordability across Maryland and its counties.

Fall Newsletter Grant Updates

By Rachel Gardner • September 8, 2025
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce two funding awards received this quarter from community partners. In July 2025, IHA received a $3,500 grant from The Croteau Family Charitable Gift Fund, which is a donor-advised fund (DAF) held at T. Rowe Price Charitable. IHA also received a $5,000 grant from The Natelli Communities Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the many communities we serve.

Build Confidence With Your Finances at Financial Freedom Bootcamp

By Lacy Allen • September 8, 2025
Money can sometimes feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to! This October, Interfaith Housing Alliance is offering our next Financial Freedom Bootcamp, a free, two-part workshop designed to help you take positive steps toward financial stability and confidence.  The bootcamp kicks off with an in-person workshop on October 15th from 5:30–7:00pm, where participants will explore the building blocks of financial health. You’ll learn how to create a budget that actually works for your lifestyle, discover the best practices for saving, and walk away with strategies for reducing debt in realistic and manageable ways. After the first session, participants are invited to take part in an optional virtual Credit Café, a supportive space to dive deeper into questions about credit and money management. This extra resource helps reinforce what you’ve learned and gives you the chance to connect with others working toward similar goals. The second workshop will be held virtually on October 29th from 5:30–7:00pm, making it convenient to join from home. This session will focus on building confidence when communicating with creditors, understanding your credit, and setting SMART goals to stay on track for the future. Together, these two sessions provide practical, easy-to-use tools to support your financial journey. No matter where you are starting from—whether you’re new to budgeting, trying to rebuild your credit, or just looking for ways to feel more in control—Financial Freedom Bootcamp is a welcoming and encouraging place to begin. At a Glance What : Financial Freedom Bootcamp – free, two-part workshop series When: October 15th (in-person) & October 29th (virtual), both 5:30–7:00pm Topics: Budgeting, saving, debt reduction, credit confidence, SMART goal setting Extras: Optional virtual Credit Café between sessions Register: Contact Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org or 301-662-4425 ext. 1203
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