End of Year Giving Campaign 2022

Undoubtedly, the importance of home has been raised to our collective consciousness in the last three years. From the early stages of the pandemic shelter in place, virtual schooling, virtual work and hybrid work environments we are spending more time than ever at home. What we once did outside our home, we are now doing at home. Work life has seen dramatic changes in the last three years with companies downsizing corporate offices or eliminating them altogether in favor of work from home settings. 

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. In 2022 Maryland families need to earn $25.82 per hour to afford a two bedroom apartment. It is only when families earn 60% of the area median income that they barely can afford the rental.  That leaves families earning 50% and under without affordable housing. 

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 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. 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. 

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.