Another Move-In Day at North Middle Springs Estates

octavodesigns • March 30, 2011

North Middle Springs Estates in Shippensburg, PA recently welcomed five new families, and six more families will be moving in soon. One more group of six families is being put together right now, which will begin construction this summer. Once that last group of homes is completed, a total of 39 Self-Help Homeownership Program homes will have been constructed in this neighborhood. Just a short distance from Shippensburg University, North Middle Springs Estates is ideally located close to a thriving downtown, recreational opportunities, and most importantly – jobs. Most of the participants in the program work within a few miles of their new homes.

Steve Wivell, one of two Construction Supervisors for Interfaith Housing Alliance’s Self-Help Homeownership Program, said, “Move-in Day is so rewarding. These folks have worked so hard, all winter long, and they’ve done such a great job. It’s amazing considering the fact that most of them didn’t know anything about construction when they started.”

IHA’s Self-Help Homeownership Program allows families and individuals to purchase their homes at cost, and, in lieu of a down payment, they provide 65% of the labor required to build their homes (a significant contribution known as “sweat equity”). Generally, it takes about nine months to build the 3-bedroom 2.5 bath single family homes, which is considerably shorter than the time it would take to save for a down payment.

Latia Reed, a soon-to-be new homeowner, can hardly wait until her group of homes is completed in June. Tia has put in many hours of hard work, but her dream will soon become true. She describes her experience with passion, “It has taken me a year to achieve my goal of becoming debt free, but my persistence led me to be a part of this amazing program. My son is my inspiration and strength, and he is the reason why I wanted to accomplish this goal. I want the absolute best for him and it starts with stability – the key to a great start in a child’s life. The work load is a lot and can be overwhelming but something worth having never comes easy. Interfaith Housing’s program allows families the opportunity to make owning a home come true, but it is up to you to make it your reality. This is one of the greatest experiences of my life, and my family and I will never forget such a blessing.”

IHA began their first Self-Help community of 20 homes in 1996 in a neighborhood named Mountain View Homes located in Brunswick, MD. To date, IHA has supervised the new construction of well over 200 homes throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Anyone interested in participating in the Self-Help Homeownership Program should call Linda Warren at 301-662-4225 x1307 or 717-414-5042. In addition to the six openings for the next group of families in Shippensburg, Linda is accepting applications for 18 homes through the Self-Help Program at Nottingham Meadows, in the Greencastle/State Line area and 14 homes being built in partnership with Dan Ryan Builders in the Rolling Hills subdivision, near Greencastle, PA.

Interfaith Housing Alliance is the region’s leading nonprofit affordable housing developer. IHA strengthens communities by providing affordable housing opportunities and supportive services to improve the quality of life and economic stability for seniors, working families and individuals. Programs greatly depend on donations from the faith community, businesses, foundations, and individuals.

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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