Fall Updates from IHA
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.
MEET IHA'S NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO: KRISTA ZODET
Interfaith Housing Alliance is excited to welcome Krista Zodet as our new President and CEO.
Krista brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience to IHA, most recently as President and CEO of the HealthWell Foundation. A longtime Frederick County resident, she's glad to bring that experience home and work alongside the IHA team, along with the residents, partners, and supporters who make the organization's mission possible.
Krista believes everyone deserves a safe, quality, affordable place to call home. She's looking forward to getting out into the community, meeting the people who make IHA special, and learning more about the impact of the organization's work.
She also loves meeting new people and hearing their stories. If you see her at an IHA property, a community event, or somewhere around Frederick, stop and say hello.
Please join us in welcoming Krista to Interfaith Housing Alliance. We're glad she's here.
Building Financial Literacy, Opportunity, and Homeownership Through Community Partnerships
This September, Interfaith Housing Alliance is partnering with local organizations to celebrate an important part of literacy that can have a lasting impact on individuals and families: financial literacy.
Financial literacy is about more than understanding numbers. It provides individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about credit, debt, savings, budgeting, and their financial future. For many Frederick County residents, having access to financial education and the right resources can be an important step toward achieving goals that may otherwise feel out of reach.
Celebrating Literacy with the Literacy Council of Frederick County
IHA is proud to partner with the Literacy Council of Frederick County as they celebrate National Literacy Month with a week-long series of events highlighting the many facets of literacy and connecting Frederick County residents with valuable educational resources.
As part of their celebration, IHA will provide a virtual Credit Cafe Workshop on Tuesday, September 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
When: Tuesday, September 15, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Virtual
Register: Visit the National Literacy Month event page
By including financial literacy in this celebration, IHA and the Literacy Council recognize that literacy takes many forms and financial knowledge can be a powerful tool for building stability and opportunity.
Building Financial Knowledge on the Path to Homeownership
IHA is also partnering with Habitat for Humanity this September to bring financial literacy directly to individuals and families working toward the goal of homeownership.
On Wednesday, September 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., IHA will provide an in-person Credit Cafe Workshop for Habitat clients who are working to achieve their homeownership goals.
When: Wednesday, September 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m., In-Person
Contact: Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org
This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to helping individuals and families overcome barriers to homeownership. For those who may face challenges qualifying for traditional mortgage financing, financial education can be an important part of preparing for successful homeownership.
Two Partnerships. One Shared Goal.
Whether someone is working to improve their credit, strengthen their financial health, or take the next step toward homeownership, financial literacy can help turn goals into achievable plans. This September, we are celebrating literacy by recognizing that learning about your finances can help open doors to greater financial stability, opportunity, and homeownership.
Questions? Contact Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org.
Happy Anniversary, IHA!
July 11 marks IHA's anniversary. Each year, our staff comes together to celebrate IHA and the amazing history behind it. This year, on Thursday, July 9, we gathered at RAK Brewing Co. for fellowship, delicious food, a fun game created by Lacy, and some friendly team competition with the games provided by RAK.
The celebration also gave our new CEO, Krista Zodet, the opportunity to connect with staff and get to know everyone better.
It was a wonderful time to laugh, connect, strengthen our team, and celebrate another great year together. Happy Anniversary, IHA!
A Moment at Railroad Square. Not only do the adults at Residence at Railroad Square come to the office when they need assistance, but so do the little ones in our community.
Wynter visits the staff two or three times each week, always bringing a smile with her. Last Tuesday, she and Sandi, our Support Services Coordinator, enjoyed some creative time together making paper-plate smiley faces.
It's sweet moments like these that make Residence at Railroad Square feel like home.
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