1 Year of Virtual Work

Jodie Ostoich and Rachel Gardner • March 31, 2021

1 Year of Virtual Work

It has been a year since the world changed. Can you believe it? It has been a year where we have gotten used to common words and phrases such as “pivot” and “new normal.” It has been a year of missing co-workers, friends, and family. No doubt, it has been a year of challenges. 

 

It has also been a year of great change at Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA).  In response to the pandemic, IHA has had to reimagine how we deliver our programs and services to the community.  On July 1, 2020, we relocated and downsized our corporate office, signaling a transition to community-based and virtual service delivery platforms. Staff members are now equipped with the technology and resources they need to continue service provision remotely during this and future crises. 

 

IHA facilitated many of its operations and programming virtually during 2020 and into 2021. We were excited to begin offering these virtual opportunities to those we serve, as they erase barriers to participation, such as transportation and childcare.  Adopting this service delivery method has expanded program access and ensures the safety and health of our staff and participants. We plan to resume in-person workshops when it is safe to do so to reach those for whom technology presents a barrier. 

 

To make this transition to remote work possible, IHA implemented several capacity-building technology upgrades. In 2020, IHA purchased laptops and miscellaneous home office equipment for staff members. IHA also began the integration of a customer relationship management (CRM) system, which will upgrade not only client records but also IHA’s donor and grant management systems.  In addition, IHA has upgraded its property management, payroll, and financial software to increase internal efficiency. Lastly, IHA launched a redesign of its website to increase external visibility and accessibility within our community. 

 

In “normal” years, most nonprofits would not plan for this much change; however, 2020 did not give us a choice.  IHA has had a year of which we can be proud – a year where our staff stepped up and made it happen for those we serve.  Looking back at 2020 helps us look forward to 2021 and beyond.  The strides that IHA has made during the last year have laid the foundation for our future growth. 


By: Jodie Ostoich and Rachel Gardner

Fall Updates from IHA

September 2, 2026
A quarter of grant wins, community partnerships, and small moments that remind us why this work matters. Here's what's been happening at Interfaith Housing Alliance since the summer. GRANTS & FUNDING: Four New Grants Fuel IHA's Work This Quarter Interfaith Housing Alliance is proud to announce four funding awards totaling $220,000 during the last quarter from our community partners. In June 2026, IHA was awarded a $30,000 grant by Ausherman Family Foundation. This capacity-building grant will provide funding support for the organization during its transition to new leadership. It will also support IHA's work with key community consultants with the goal of recentering IHA's programs and services in Frederick, MD. In July 2026, IHA was awarded a $125,000 grant from Morgan Stanley. This operational grant supports IHA in its ongoing quest to create and provide affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income (LMI) community members. It also supports IHA's continued community programming, which provides access to financial education and affordable homeownership opportunities. In August 2026, IHA received two funding awards in support of IHA's Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services. IHA was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Maryland Housing Counseling Fund (MHCF). IHA was also awarded a $35,000 grant by Rural Maryland Council (RMC) through their Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) program. These grants will support the full spectrum of community programming IHA offers, including group educational workshops on financial health, individualized financial coaching and housing counseling, and pathways to affordable homeownership. We are deeply grateful to these partners for their continued investment in this community.

Weinberg House Renovation Brings New Life to Senior Living

By Vickie Mills • June 2, 2026
Exciting, the final renovations of the last two units are underway at Weinberg House, a long-standing affordable senior living community in Fredrick, Maryland. Originally built in 1994, the property provided safe, stable housing for older adults for decades. Renovations began on May 1, 2023. At that time, they had a total of 23 units to renovate. The renovations included freshly painted walls, new carpet in the bedrooms, new flooring in the other rooms, new cabinets in the bathroom, as well as new kitchen cupboards, fixtures and new appliances. The final two units will be ready for lease up June 15, 2026. The renovation of Weinberg House represents a meaningful investment in both people and place. By modernizing the property while protecting its mission, this project will help ensure that affordable, welcoming housing remains available for seniors for years to come. It is an encouraging example of how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities and honor the residents who call them home.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce three funding awards during the last quarter from our community partners.

By Rachel Gardner • June 2, 2026
In March 2026, IHA was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Frederick County Government’s Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART). These one-time operational funds were awarded to mitigate the effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history. This grant has allowed IHA to continue providing essential programs and services to Frederick County residents despite challenges at the federal level. IHA was also awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Frederick through the Community Promotion Grant program. This grant supports aging in place and youth development needs among City residents through IHA’s Supportive Services. The program serves residents of IHA’s senior and multi-family affordable rental communities at 222 Broadway Street (Weinberg House) and 520 N. Market Street, respectively. In April 2026, IHA was also awarded a $25,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County Government. This grant supports IHA’s full range of Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, including our homeownership and financial education programming. IHA’s Purchase-Repair Program provides an avenue to homeownership for those who otherwise would not qualify for a traditional home loan. In Credit Café, participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp helps participants improve their skills in budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial goal setting. The Frederick Affordable Housing Incubator (FAHI) brings multiple sectors together to increase the affordable housing inventory in Frederick County.
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