From Sacrifice to Success
Vivian Duran • March 31, 2021
Mohammed and Faten contacted Interfaith Housing Alliance in September 2019, wanting to know more about the Purchase Repair Homeownership Program.
Mohammed and Faten contacted Interfaith Housing Alliance in September 2019, wanting to know more about the Purchase Repair Homeownership Program. Faten’s close friend, Denise Taylor, had shared her wonderful homeownership experience with IHA. Denise came to IHA in July 2014 and told Faten how much Carol Riggles, Homeownership Program Manager, provided great guidance and assistance with qualifying for USDA-RD 502 Direct Loan and IHA’s Homeownership Program. Hearing Denise’s great experience gave Faten hope for her homeownership dream to come true. What truly sparked Faten and Mohammed's interest in the program was the very low interest rate and the fact that they were able to make repairs to a home to gain equity.
Mohammed and Faten’s journey has been far from easy. Immigrants from Baghdad, Iraq – they felt they had no choice but to leave their country because it became too dangerous to stay when the war started. Mohammed and Faten met when they both worked as journalists in Iraq. Mohammed had completed 4 years in college to become an attorney but found employment at a TV station as a reporter. Faten was a teacher for fine arts who became a journalist working on parenting stories. Working for the same TV station, they fell in love and got married.
Faten got contracted with a US company working with American Troops completing reports on Iraq immigration. The 5-mile commute to work which should take 10 minutes took over 3 hours due to security check points having to inspect each car for devices and bombs. It was just too scary and stressful for Faten. Faten then got threats to be killed. Her employer offered to protect her as she worked in a green zone, but Faten was fearful to have those people follow her and kill her family and her. Luckily, Mohammed had just received an offer from an Egypt TV station who saw his TV reporting in Iraq and wanted to hire him.
They left as refugees and lived in Egypt for 5 years. Mohammed and Faten got approved to go to the US right after. They have been living in the United Stated for now 11 years and are very thankful for being able to live in this amazing country feeling safe, stable, and happy. Mohammed and Faten had to start from zero again when they arrived in the US. Having to live in apartments was very hard since they were raised in single family homes. The last apartment they lived in, they struggled with horrible maintenance. Leaks in the bathroom ceiling and constant pest issues. Several pieces of furniture and beds had to be thrown away numerous times. Mohammed and Faten’s goal and dream was to give their kids a safe and healthy single-family home.
It was a process to get their green cards and have stable and reliable income to qualify for USDA-RD 502 Direct Loan. Mohammed and Faten received their certificate of eligibility to start officially shopping for a home on September 22, 2020. Their Realtor and Board Member of Interfaith Housing Alliance Inc., Patricia Galloway, showed them numerous homes and finally submitted an offer on their dream home October 14, 2020.
Mohammed and Faten promised their kids they would make the home look nice since they thought it looked creepy at first. The most important part for them was the location of the home, the schools, and the layout of the home. The first time they saw the home, they told themselves, they can take out the carpet due to Faten’s severe allergies, they can paint the walls and were eager to finish the approved repairs by IHA and USDA-RD.
Lana, Mohammed and Faten’s daughter, was excited to share she helped paint. With a big smile she shared this was the first time she had her own room with privacy and beautiful view of mountains. Taym, Mohammed and Faten’s son, was happy he can finally have his own bed and enjoys making it. Lana and Taym enjoy playing in the playground set and running in the big yard. Now, their goal is to convince their parents to get a dog.
Mohammed and Faten feel blessed and thank god for everything. With a lot of patience during the process and maintaining positivity, they thanked everyone who assisted with the process to make their dream become a reality. Faten now truly feels calm and safe knowing her children have a place to call their forever home. Faten stated “I can see my children grow up here and go off to college. This home is for them.”
By: Vivian Duran
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.