Lindsey's Homeownership Success Story

Lindsey • September 6, 2022

Lindsey states "My life has many new beginnings; some of them have been positive and full of hope, some of them have brought everything to a screeching halt. Nevertheless, I have faced these changes and challenges with optimism and determination. My priority has always been the well-being of my four children and trying to surround them with an atmosphere of love, hope and acceptance.


In the summer of 2017, I left with my children from an abusive marriage. The years leading up to that point were filled with trauma, financial instability and bankruptcy, housing insecurity, PTSD, crippling self-doubt, uncertainty, and fear. When I was finally able to break free of that cycle, we moved back to my childhood home with my parents. While it was not an ideal situation, it was the best option available to begin the process of healing and rebuilding our lives.


Over the next several years, my children and I adapted to life in a multi-generational home that was not our own. There were many adjustments to be made, obstacles to overcome and some significant losses to endure. Lengthy custody battles left me financially drained and emotionally exhausted. I found a great sense of purpose working at Heartly House and helping others going through similar circumstances. I learned new skills and regained self-esteem that had been torn apart in the previous years.


Then, last fall, I learned that the home we were living in was going to be sold. The need to find a safe space for my family to call our own became not only a necessity, but the only clear path toward healing. I researched every option available to provide my (now teenage) children with our own home before summer. With skyrocketing home prices and rentals costing twice as much as I could afford, the situation was daunting.


I discovered the Interfaith Housing Alliance and USDA-RD loan program. I applied and was connected with the amazing people who helped me complete the mortgage application. Vivian and Carol made sure that every question was answered, and every document submitted for USDA to process the loan package. Once I received my COE, they connected me with a fantastic realtor, and I began searching for a home in the height of an insane real estate market. I was also able to tell my children the good news - that I was going to buy a house for us.


There were a few bumps along the way, but we found our forever home. We have more space than ever before. We live in a nice neighborhood that has everything we need close by. My daily commute was cut by more than half. My monthly mortgage payment is completely manageable and far less than rent would be for a home this size. I can take pride in the repairs I do and changes I make to it, and we can make it all our own. There will always be things in life that are out of my control but having a safe place to live is no longer one of them. Our family is finally home.


In the short month since I went to closing, our lives have changed in so many positive ways. We have true stability for the first time in years and our fate is in our own hands. I was able to give my children a place that is their own, a space to heal and grow, and a home that is filled with love and acceptance. Words cannot describe the amount of peace and empowerment that has come from buying my own home. Five years ago, when my life changed completely overnight, I never would have imagined this as a possibility. Now here we are, looking to the future with hope and confidence.


I would encourage anyone facing housing insecurity to contact IHA. They have been supportive and helpful every step of the way. I would not have been able to navigate through the application process with USDA without them. IHA helped to find any/all of the local programs that could assist with funding. They helped me narrow down my options and determine how much I could comfortably manage for a mortgage. My family has bright paths ahead now, and that we can walk with confidence knowing that we have a home. I have IHA to thank for that."

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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