The Importance of Home

Jodie Ostoich • November 29, 2021

Undoubtedly, the pandemic has shown us the importance of home.

More than any time in recent history, home has become the center of all we do. What we once did outside our home, we are now doing at home. Work and school life has seen dramatic changes in the last two years.   


Now imagine, what if your housing were unstable, or worse yet, out of reach? Would you take on another job? Cut back on your groceries and health expenses? Rob Peter to pay Paul? For most of us, the idea of deciding between paying our rent and buying groceries and medications is an uncomfortable one.   


Yet, in the state of Maryland this is reality for the 26% of households that are extremely low income. 74% of extremely low income households are severely cost burdened and paying more than 50% of their income for housing. For every 100 of those households, there are only 32 affordable homes available. That leaves two thirds of extremely low income households competing for affordable housing that simply doesn’t exist (see graph below). 


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 562 new affordable homes in development over the next three years. 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 and ends January 31, 2022. Each dollar donated is being matched by $2, thanks to our sponsors. IHA has raised $40,000 in matching sponsorship funds and our goal is to raise $20,000 more in donations. Please consider supporting this important work. To donate today text IHAHoliday to 71777 or click this link: IHA End of Year Donation


If you would like to learn more about this work or discuss a donation, please reach out to our President, Jodie Ostoich at jostoich@interfaithhousing.org. 



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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