Credit Café: Stronger after COVID
Lacy Ames • August 30, 2021
Credit Café: Stronger after COVID
The Credit Café workshop was started back in 2016 to offer a one-time event where clients would learn about credit and receive a free credit report review with a credit advisor. Over time the event has grown to being more frequent, but still was considered a one-time workshop event. However, in 2020 during the pandemic IHA knew things needed to change for our workshops such as the Credit Café to be possible. IHA decided to evolve and adapt to our new ‘new’.
The Credit Café moved 100% online including the registration process. With new virtual opportunities, the workshop is now being offered 4 times a month with morning and evening availability to meet our participants’ schedules. The Credit Café is no longer just a one-time workshop but now each participant receives support from Lacy for 6 months. The one-time event now consists of two distinct meetings. The first is a 1-hour group meeting where participants learn what credit is, how credit impacts us, and how to best handle credit to make the most positive impact. The second is a 30-minute personalized one-on-one Credit Report Review session where the client receives a thorough credit report review within 1 week of completing the group workshop. During this review the client and program manager set goals to help the client improve, maintain, or build their credit to prepare for their future financial goals. Clients also walk away with a free copy of their credit report.
Now the support doesn’t stop there with these two meetings. Lacy is following up with clients 3 months later to check in to see how they are doing with their credit related goals. Then Lacy follows up again 6 months after they attended the credit café group workshop, offering them a 2nd credit report review session and with that comes another FREE credit report.
The Credit Café program has now become a stronger and more impactful opportunity for those in need over the last year. In prior years the Credit Café had served an average of 80-85 clients each year through the in-person workshop setting. Over the past year with a virtual setting, Lacy has been able to serve 144 individuals. The Credit Café will maintain the same schedule for the 2021-2022 year. If you or anyone you know needs credit repair, credit improvement, or just needs general credit knowledge, send them to Lacy at Lames@interfaithhousing.org to get signed up today!
Check out some success stories from the last year:
“My name is Danelle, and I attended the credit café. The credit café has helped me understand credit a lot more. This class has taught me how to increase my score and manage my credit. I feel like I got a lot out of the class and left with a better understanding or credit. I’m so grateful for the class and look forward to telling others about it.”
“The Credit Café workshop has been such a great asset in helping get my credit repaired. They explained to me in detail how to understand your credit and what is reported. As well as how to get my free reports. I was able to figure out where my issues are and how to gradually increase my score. It has taken some time, but I am headed in the right direction. I just have to be patient and continue to work hard and pay my bills as scheduled. I now understand how important credit is and will pass this information on to my children and grandchildren. “
“My experience with the Credit Café began in 2019. I was frustrated with the dream of owning a home and not seeing a clear path with student loans and multiple bills reporting in collections. The Credit Cafés have given me the motivation to act on knowledge I already had and support to learn more and self-advocate. The hardest part is taking money I could use for other things and putting it towards keeping bills out of collections but if you have had garnishments, repossessions like I had, it's worth it. A little is a lot. Thank you IHA Credit Café, my journey continues! 🙏🏾”
“I opened the first of many accounts 20 years ago. My credit was so-so, with late payments and charge offs that I eventually paid, but at least I had credit. I continued this behavior as a young adult, thinking it didn’t mean a whole lot. Then, hard times and unforeseen circumstances forced me to not use my credit for the last 10 years. When I began the Credit Café in December 2020, it had been so long since I had used any of my accounts, that it was like I never had credit at all! (Oh, except for a 6-year-old ER visit that should’ve been paid by a car accident I was a passenger in. Also, an electric bill that continued 6 months after I moved from the residence, because someone fraudulently told them to keep it on, after I had it scheduled for disconnection. When I entered the Credit Café, I had ZERO credit. It was like I had been erased.
How did I fix it? I spent 3 months making calls every day and collecting evidence to get the derogatory accounts off my credit report. At the same time, I opened a secured card to start rebuilding my credit. The following month, I opened another. I worked hard to make sure that everything was deleted from my credit history and that it only reflected the positive things I had done. I keep my usage below 10%, pay everything off at once (never carry a balance), and make sure that my payments are made ON TIME! I went from NO credit to 524 in a month. Then climbed slowly until I only had positive accounts. At that time, I was in the 650s. Over time, making smart and responsible moves with my credit has shown the impact small things can have. Now, 9 months later, I have great credit and have recently opened an unsecured card with a much higher limit, I qualify to get my deposits back from my secured cards and will soon be on my way to home ownership, which is the ultimate goal.”
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.
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.
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.