Brunswick and IHA Have a Long History of Partnership and Progress and it is still going strong!

Carol Riggles • May 31, 2022

Brunswick and IHA Have a Long History of Partnership and Progress and it is still going strong!

IHA began its venture into the Mutual Self-Help Homeownership Program, financed by USDA Rural Development and guided by NCALL (National Council on Agricultural Life & Labor Research Fund, Inc.), with our Mountain View Homes community in Brunswick, MD that provided homeownership opportunities to low-income families in the 1990’s. 



The Mountain View Homes community joined families together with the shared goal of creating a better future for themselves and future generations.  They worked together for months to build their homes, providing 65% of the labor required to make their dream affordable.  Twenty-two new homes were built with much love and hard work and six of them are still owned by those who helped to build them.  The rest have provided an additional 31 families the opportunity of homeownership. 


Although Interfaith Housing Alliance is committed to providing housing solutions of nearly every kind, its flagship programs have been geared to homeownership. These programs follow the mission of the organization to build community and to strengthen the economic stability of seniors, working families and individuals. 


Homeownership represents the ultimate investment, building wealth through home equity to ensure economic security and gaining a strong sense of belonging to a community through ownership. 


IHA’s Purchase Repair Homeownership Program, offered in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties, continues our long relationship with Brunswick.  Through help from IHA’s homeownership and financial counseling, 14 more families have become first-time homebuyers in Brunswick. 



Brunswick is a wonderful place to call home.  Known for its railroad and canal heritage, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, new and vintage affordable homes, quaint shops and eateries, Brunswick proclaims itself to be a big town with small city ambiance and a friendly atmosphere. 


IHA is also pleased to announce that a new mixed-income rental community, The Residences at Railroad Square, is on its way, combining historic restoration along with new construction.  Amenities will include secure parking, elevator access, fitness center, pocket parks, community multi-purpose rooms and rooftop patio.  The addition of these 45 apartments will contribute greatly to the growth and success of the many small Mom & Pop businesses in downtown Brunswick. 



Also included will be The Shoppes at Railroad Square which will add approximately 15,000 square feet of retail/office space. The space will be a combination of new construction and renovated ground level retail in the adjacent Mommer’s Building, a prominent historic landmark located at the intersection of Potomac Street and Maple Avenue, directly across from Brunswick’s City Hall. The renovation of this 3-story building will include ground level retail space and 3 affordable apartments on the upper level. 


Other components of the project include the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Brunswick Train Station for community and cultural uses, several pocket parks and green space areas for community events and seasonal activities and surface parking lot that will provide additional parking for Railroad Square and community events. 

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.

36 Years of Building Stability, Opportunity, and Hope

By Lacy Ames • June 2, 2026
For 36 years, the Interfaith Housing Alliance has stood beside individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. What began as a mission rooted in compassion and community partnership has grown into an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across our region, helping families find stability, build financial confidence, and create brighter futures. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are not only reflecting on where we have been, but also recognizing the incredible growth, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape IHA today. Over the past 36 years, IHA has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while remaining committed to the same core belief: everyone deserves access to safe housing, financial education, and the opportunity to thrive. Through housing counseling, financial education workshops, community partnerships, and affordable housing initiatives, IHA has empowered thousands of individuals and families with the tools, support, and stability needed to move forward with confidence. Beyond education and counseling services, IHA’s long-standing commitment to affordable housing development has helped create lasting impact throughout the community. Over the years, IHA has developed, built, and managed affordable housing units that have provided safe, stable homes for countless individuals and families. These housing initiatives represent more than buildings, they represent opportunity, dignity, and the foundation for stronger futures. The growth and preservation of affordable housing remains a vital part of IHA’s legacy and ongoing mission. Behind every program, every workshop, and every success story is a community of people who believe in the work we do. Our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters have played an essential role in helping IHA grow over the last three and a half decades. Their dedication and belief in our mission continue to fuel the impact we are able to make every day. Most importantly, we celebrate the individuals and families who have trusted IHA to be part of their journey. Every financial goal reached, every housing challenge overcome, and every moment of renewed confidence is a reminder of why this work matters. As we look ahead, we remain focused on continuing to innovate, educate, and advocate for stronger communities. The need for affordable housing resources and financial empowerment remains as important as ever, and IHA is committed to meeting that need with the same compassion and determination that has defined the organization for the past 36 years.  Thank you for being part of the Interfaith Housing Alliance story. Together, we celebrate 36 years of impact and look forward to the many more lives we will continue to support in the years ahead.
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