December 2024 Newsletter End of Year Campaign Article

Jodie Ostoich • December 4, 2024

In 2024 you can’t read an online article, turn on the evening news or pick up a newspaper without headlines screaming that housing is not affordable. This used to be the rally cry of affordable housing advocates everywhere. But as inflation, interest rates and lack of housing inventory begin to impact middle America, housing affordability is having a moment in our collective consciousness. 

In 2024 Maryland families need to earn $36.70 per hour to afford a two bedroom apartment. If they earn minimum wage, they must work 98 hours per week to afford that same two bedroom. In Frederick County Maryland, families must earn between $28.46-$48.08 per hour to affording housing in their zip code. 

It is this kind of data that drives the mission of Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA). We seek to strengthen communities by providing affordable housing opportunities for seniors, working families and individuals. IHA currently has 528 new affordable homes in construction and will be available in the fall of 2024 and in 2025. It is our joy to serve others with this much needed housing. 

We invite you to join us in this work by giving during our year end campaign which kicked off on November 1st. Each dollar donated is being matched by $2, thanks to our sponsors. IHA has raised $60,000 in matching sponsorship funds and our goal is to raise $30,000 more in donations. Please consider supporting this important work.

IHA has community investment tax credits to give to donors that have a Maryland tax liability. To qualify you must donate $500 or more. Tax credits can be issued for 50% of your donation. For example, if you give $500 then you could receive $250 in tax credits. In addition, you can claim the full amount of the donation as a charitable deduction. That would be $500 for the deduction, $250 in tax credits. You can double dip on your Maryland Tax return!

To partake in these tax credits please write CITC on your donation check of $500 or greater. If giving on the IHA website, please send me an email so that we can get working on your tax credit documents at once. jostoich@interfaithhousing.org. 

You can go here to make your tax deductible donation: IHA

To read more about Maryland Community Investment Tax Credits: DHCD Dashboard.

Thank you for partnering with IHA in this life impacting work! 

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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