NEWS!

Maryland and Frederick County: A Growing Housing Affordability Crisis Each year around this time, I share data that highlights the growing challenge of housing affordability in Maryland—and this year is no exception. Maryland now ranks as the 8th most expensive state in terms of wages needed to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. A worker must earn $39.15 per hour —or nearly $81,450 annually —just to meet that threshold. Unfortunately, the situation in Frederick County is even more severe. Alongside Calvert and Charles counties, Frederick tops the list, requiring a staggering $44.50 per hour —equivalent to $92,560 annually —to afford a two-bedroom apartment.  Meanwhile, the average renter in Frederick earns just $18.25 per hour , which translates to an affordable rent of only $949 per month —far below what the market demands. This stark disparity is exactly why the mission of Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is so critical. We are committed to addressing these inequities and advocating for solutions that make safe, stable housing accessible to all. Below, you’ll find the 2025 data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition , detailing housing affordability across Maryland and its counties.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce two funding awards received this quarter from community partners. In July 2025, IHA received a $3,500 grant from The Croteau Family Charitable Gift Fund, which is a donor-advised fund (DAF) held at T. Rowe Price Charitable. IHA also received a $5,000 grant from The Natelli Communities Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the many communities we serve.

Money can sometimes feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to! This October, Interfaith Housing Alliance is offering our next Financial Freedom Bootcamp, a free, two-part workshop designed to help you take positive steps toward financial stability and confidence.  The bootcamp kicks off with an in-person workshop on October 15th from 5:30–7:00pm, where participants will explore the building blocks of financial health. You’ll learn how to create a budget that actually works for your lifestyle, discover the best practices for saving, and walk away with strategies for reducing debt in realistic and manageable ways. After the first session, participants are invited to take part in an optional virtual Credit Café, a supportive space to dive deeper into questions about credit and money management. This extra resource helps reinforce what you’ve learned and gives you the chance to connect with others working toward similar goals. The second workshop will be held virtually on October 29th from 5:30–7:00pm, making it convenient to join from home. This session will focus on building confidence when communicating with creditors, understanding your credit, and setting SMART goals to stay on track for the future. Together, these two sessions provide practical, easy-to-use tools to support your financial journey. No matter where you are starting from—whether you’re new to budgeting, trying to rebuild your credit, or just looking for ways to feel more in control—Financial Freedom Bootcamp is a welcoming and encouraging place to begin. At a Glance What : Financial Freedom Bootcamp – free, two-part workshop series When: October 15th (in-person) & October 29th (virtual), both 5:30–7:00pm Topics: Budgeting, saving, debt reduction, credit confidence, SMART goal setting Extras: Optional virtual Credit Café between sessions Register: Contact Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org or 301-662-4425 ext. 1203

December 20, 2024, marked one of the happiest days of Nicole’s life—it was the day she and her three children finally had a place to call home. After facing difficult times, being approved as a tenant at the Residence at Railroad Square meant more than just a roof over their heads; it was a second chance at stability and safety. That Christmas, Nicole and her children celebrated the holiday together in their new home. The joy and comfort of that season symbolized a fresh start. As the new year began, life started looking up for Nicole and her family. However , in April 2025, unexpected health issues forced Nicole to miss work, which quickly affected her ability to keep up with rent. Falling behind financially led to an eviction filing—a terrifying prospect that reminded Nicole of the instability she had worked so hard to overcome. “ When I had to be taken to court, it scared me to the point that I immediately reached out to Support Services and other resources to get this fixed ,” Nicole shared. “ My fear was that I would end up back in hotels, homeless again. In Frederick, once you leave the shelter, you have to wait a year just to get on the waitlist again. Then you wait even longer for your turn to get back in. ” At her first court appearance, the property manager requested a two-week continuance so that Nicole could work with the property’s Support Service Coordinator, Sandi. That small window became a turning point. Nicole took immediate action. She met with Sandi to complete a budget plan and connected with resources for rental assistance and food support. She arranged with her property manager to begin making bi-weekly rent payments, making it easier to manage her finances. Most importantly, she made tough but necessary decisions for the wellbeing of her family—like no longer giving her children extra spending money out of guilt for their past struggles. “ I’ve worked hard to get back on track. Sandi guided me to resources that really helped—rent support, food banks, and more. Since the eviction was lifted, I’ve been working closely with Support Services to stay stable ,” Nicole shared. Nicole’s story is one of determination, and the impact of supportive housing and compassionate services. Her journey reflects the importance of second chances—and how a little support at the right time can change everything.

For 35 years, IHA has remained steadfast in its mission. Through obstacles, frustration, pain, tears, a global pandemic, and uncertain times—we persevered. Because that’s what it takes to create affordable housing. That’s the raw truth. As you read this, maybe you’re smiling—because you’re one of the 1,685 households IHA has helped find a home you can afford. You are the reason we exist. We celebrate you. Or perhaps you’re a current or former staff member who helped make this mission a reality. Maybe you held someone’s hand as they shared their struggles and dreams. You might have helped improve a credit score, written a grant, paid the bills, managed a property, or even launched IHA itself. We salute you. You made it happen. Maybe you’re a funder, donor, or investor who believed in our work. You did it. Your dollars created impact and changed lives. Words can’t fully express our gratitude—or the gratitude of those whose lives were transformed by your support.  Or perhaps you’re a current or former board member who believed deeply in IHA’s mission and generously gave your time to serve. You helped shape programs, raise funds, guide the CEO, serve on committees, and plan for both challenges and triumphs. You stood with us through it all—and rejoiced in our successes. Well done. We are grateful. As we reflect on 35 years of impact, we are filled with gratitude—for every household housed, every hand extended, every dollar invested, and every moment of belief in our mission. IHA’s story is not just one of perseverance—it’s a story of people. People who dared to dream, who worked tirelessly, who gave generously, and who stood together to make affordable housing a reality. As we look ahead, we carry this legacy forward with renewed commitment and hope. Thank you for being part of our journey. Now, we invite you to be part of the mission. Our year-end campaign will kick off on November 1st, and this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Thanks to generous sponsors, every dollar you give will be matched with $2 , tripling your contribution. We’ve already secured $60,000 in matching sponsorships , and we’re aiming to raise $30,000 more to continue this vital work. Your support helps families find stability, dignity, and hope through affordable housing. Please consider joining us—because together, we build more than homes. We build futures. With gratitude and hope, Jodie Ostoich President & CEO P.S. Every dollar you give will be matched with $2 , tripling your impact. Help us reach our goal and continue building futures through affordable housing. 👉 Click here to donate now

On July 11 th , IHA will be sharing the impact our organization has had over the last 35 years via social media. SAVE THE DATE to take part in our special day.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce two funding awards received this quarter from community partners.

Alice Buchanan moved from Frederick, MD to North Carolina to take care of her daughter, Angela, who had kidney failure. Angela was in the Navy and served for 20 years when she retired. Upon Angela’s death, Alice stayed in North Carolina to raise her daughter’s children. When the children became adults, Alice wanted to come back “home” to Frederick, MD. Alice was looking for an apartment, so she asked her friend who was living in Frederick to help her with her search. Her friend connected Alice to Weinberg House. As soon as Alice heard there was a vacant unit she immediately returned to Frederick. Alice Buchanan moved into Weinberg House on May 12, 2015. Other than Alice, there is only one other person who has lived at Weinberg House since Alice moved in.

Voices of Affordable Housing: Affordable Housing