Region’s Largest Nonprofit Housing Developer Celebrates 20th Anniversary

inte8821 • March 7, 2012

Region’s Largest Nonprofit Housing Developer Celebrates 20th Anniversary

(Frederick, MD) – A recognized leader in developing affordable housing, Interfaith Housing Alliance, Inc. (IHA) is an organization with a clear mission, vision and a strong passion to provide safe and affordable housing opportunities that improve and sustain the quality of life for working families, seniors, and individuals with special needs. During the past two decades, IHA has played an integral and positive role in providing such opportunities to thousands of low and moderate income households and individuals throughout central and western Maryland and south central Pennsylvania.

With a full year of events scheduled to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, IHA will be reaching out to build stronger relationships with individuals who have a strong desire to make a difference in their community. “The future need for affordable housing and supportive services is stronger than ever. Almost every family in the region has been affected by the housing crisis,” says Patricia Motter, President. “IHA’s tenants and homebuyers are generally part of a community’s essential workforce and an integral part of IHA’s vision is that everyone deserves an opportunity to work and live in the same community.”

“Transitioning to homeownership can be a real problem in our region,” states Bryan Lyburn, Director of Business Operations. “IHA, in partnership with the USDA Self-Help Housing program, works with families to build their own homes. Eligible participants learn about the financial responsibility of homeownership and each contributes up to 30 hours per week of “sweat equity” to eliminate the need for a down payment on their mortgage. The program has been especially popular with young couples facing years of living in their parent’s basement, unable to save enough to purchase a home or even afford to rent an apartment at market rates.”

IHA builds new homes, rehabilitates existing homes, and manages rental properties for families and individuals unable to afford market-rate housing. Ranging from new construction to rehabilitation of existing properties, IHA develops multi-family rental facilities that provide a future opportunity for transitioning into homeownership. In response to a growing elderly population, the organization also develops senior living facilities throughout the region.

IHA plans to add programs that go beyond the “sticks and bricks” of construction by implementing a comprehensive service delivery model. This model focuses on creating permanent and stable communities by providing supportive services and connections with community partners in the interest of families, seniors and individuals with special needs. Rebecca Broussard, IHA Asset Manager, adds, “Our most recent community, the Washington Square senior apartments located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, will showcase the new support service model. The 32-unit facility is scheduled to open on September 15th and we are holding an Open House for the community on Saturday, September 25th. You are all invited to come out and tour the beautiful apartments and community areas.”

Founded by a group of multi-denominational religious leaders deeply concerned about the absence of any significant private response to the growing plight of the region’s homeless and shelter-poor families, and with significant organizational support from the Enterprise Foundation, Interfaith Housing Alliance was incorporated in 1990 and designated a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1991. For more information, please visit www.interfaithhousing.org.

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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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