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."

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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