HELPING FAMILIES BECOME FINANCIALLY STABLE AND INDEPENDENT – United Way partners with IHA

inte8821 • May 2, 2012

HELPING FAMILIES BECOME FINANCIALLY STABLE AND INDEPENDENT
Edited version was published in the Frederick News-Post on April 4, 2012

Pictured left to right: Leslie Kinkead, Brian Duchon, Josh Pedersen, Patricia Motter and Travis Hardmon

FREDERICK — Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) and the United Way of Frederick County (UWFC) have partnered to provide financial education classes and housing counseling services to low income Frederick County residents as part of IHA’s Housing First program.

IHA’s Housing First program has three components:

1) Rental Housing for Low Income Seniors, Families and Individuals – IHA provides safe and affordable rental housing in Frederick County to seniors, families and individuals who earn 50% or less than the Frederick County Area Median Income.

2) Financial Education – Group and one-on-one training in budgeting and personal financial management strategies.

3) Housing Counseling – Training and counseling on navigating the home buying process, credit and debt management, asset building, and foreclosure prevention strategies.

Josh Pedersen, UWFC’s Chief Executive Officer, said “This partnership with Interfaith Housing Alliance represents a mutual commitment to addressing the financial stability of those in need right here in Frederick. IHA’s unique ability to provide affordable housing paired with its focus on financial education, debt management and foreclosure prevention is truly changing community conditions for the long term. United Way is investing in these programs because we know these services help families become more self-sufficient and this leads to a stronger workforce and vibrant economy.”

IHA’s Housing First program aligns with the United Way goal for the common good to create positive and lasting change. In addition to helping families become financially stable and independent, the program supports basic needs while increasing the financial literacy of working families that are having difficulty making ends meet.

IHA will partner with three other local nonprofit organizations to work together with United Way’s board member and Income Committee Chairperson, Leslie Ivy Kinkead. “As a UWFC Board Member and realtor in the Frederick community, I am so pleased with the work being done by Interfaith Housing Alliance. IHA actively identified the affordable housing needs and has championed the cause. The Income Committee was inspired to grant funding over the next three years because of IHA’s strong proposal, demonstrable outcomes, past success and future plans,” said Ms. Kinkead.

“We are honored that we have so much community support for our programs and services,” said Patricia Motter, IHA’s President. “In addition to the three year United Way grant, we also received grants from the Ausherman Family and the Delaplaine Foundation for services provided to residents of Frederick County. The need for more affordable rental housing is real, and we welcome partnerships with the business community, the faith community, and individuals to help provide for the community’s needs.”

The Community Foundation of Frederick County Human Needs Assessment, published in August 2011, announced that affordable housing is the top unmet need in Frederick County. Not only was it named the top unmet need, it was mentioned more than three times as often as the number two unmet need – jobs.
The study determined that “36% of Frederick County homeowners spend more than 30% of their gross income on housing and the number of Frederick County renters who spend more than 50% of their income on housing went up 6% between 2000 and 2008.” According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “families who pay more than 30% of their income for housing are considered cost burdened and likely to have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and health care.”

The CFFC Needs Assessment also notes that, “Frederick County faces a shrinking supply of affordable rental housing, which has declined by 15% over the past 10 years. In fact, there have only been 125 new rental units added in Frederick City over the past decade.” The challenges have been exacerbated by the increase in demand for rental housing due to the increase in foreclosures caused by falling home values, reduced incomes and more stringent mortgage loan requirements.

IHA’s Housing First program is designed to help Frederick County residents reduce their housing costs and improve their financial stability through financial education and information about community resources that provide zero or low-cost services needed by our residents.

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. For more information about Interfaith Housing Alliance and its programs, please visit www.interfaithhousing.org or call Travis Hardmon, IHA’s Vice President of Development & Community Relations, at 301-662-4225 x1213.

The United Way of Frederick County unites local resources to provide the most effective response to community issues in Frederick County and has the vision to build a community where everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their potential. For more information about UWFC’s Community Impact initiative, please contact their Community Impact Director, Brian Duchon, at 301-663-4231 or visit www.unitedwayfrederick.org.

Volunteer Spotlight

By Vickie Mills • March 4, 2026
Veridian Capital Partners Brightens Weinberg House with Hands-On Volunteer Work On Friday February 20, 2026, the team from Veridian Capital Partners, led by founding partners Brian Runkles, CFP, Chandru Ramachandran, CFP, and Brian Williamson, CFP, brought a splash of color—and a lot of heart—to Weinberg House. The group dedicated their time and resources to repaint the hallway rails and residents’ doors, transforming the spaces leading into each apartment. Built in 1995, Weinberg House has long been a warm and supportive home for its residents. The recent makeover not only lifted the spirits of the IHA staff and residents, but also gave the building a refreshed, welcoming appearance that reflects the care and community within its walls. “It’s incredible to see the space come alive with new color, and the joy it brings to our residents is priceless,” said a member of the Weinberg House staff. Thanks to the generosity and hands-on effort of Veridian Capital Partners, Weinberg House is now brighter, more inviting, and a testament to the power of community collaboration.

Unity Campaign 2026

By Lacy Ames • March 4, 2026
Stronger Credit. Stronger Families. Stronger Frederick. The 2026 Unity Campaign & IHA’s Credit Café Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to participate in the 2026 Unity Campaign for Frederick County. What is the Unity Campaign? The Unity Campaign is Frederick County’s annual, fully online giving event that brings together local nonprofits, sponsors, and community members for one powerful purpose: strengthening our community together. Every dollar you donate goes directly to the nonprofit of your choice — and we hope you’ll choose Interfaith Housing Alliance. Why Your Support Matters All nonprofits participating in the Unity Campaign serve ALICE households. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families earn above the Federal Poverty Level, yet still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, transportation, food, and healthcare. In Frederick County, 36% of households fall into the ALICE category. That means more than one in three families in our community are working hard — but still living on the financial edge. It could be your neighbor. Your coworker. Your child’s coach. Your family member. Your donation helps create stability where it’s needed most. Where Your Donation Goes: The Credit Café Workshop Unity Campaign donations directly support IHA’s Credit Café Workshop — a completely free program designed to help individuals build stronger credit and greater financial confidence. Just $94.10 covers the cost of two credit reports for one participant. That one step can open the door to: Safer housing Lower interest rates Reliable transportation Better employment opportunities Credit impacts nearly every major financial decision — from renting an apartment to turning on utilities. When someone improves their credit, they improve their future. How the Credit Café Works The program combines education, personalized strategy, and continued support. Step 1: Group Education Participants attend a one-hour virtual workshop offered multiple times each month. They learn: How credit scores work What impacts their score How to build or repair credit Smart financial habits for long-term stability Step 2: One-on-One Advising Within one week, participants meet virtually with an advisor for a personalized 30-minute session. They receive: A free tri-merged credit report (pulled the day of the session) Help understanding their report A customized action plan with realistic credit goals Step 3: Continued Support Participants don’t navigate the process alone. Advisors follow up at 3 and 6 months (by text, email, or phone — participant’s choice) to check progress and provide guidance. They’re also invited back for: A second advising session An updated credit report The program is currently 100% virtual, with expanding hybrid options. Interpretation services are available at no cost in more than 240 languages. How to Donate There are two easy ways to support IHA through the 2026 Unity Campaign: Visit the campaign donation page and select Interfaith Housing Alliance: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/UnityFC26/team/InterfaithHousing 2. Text the campaign code to donate directly: UnityFC2661 to 71777  Every gift makes a measurable impact. Not Able to Donate? You can still make a difference. Share this campaign. Talk about it. Spread the word. Community awareness fuels community change. Interested in the Credit Café Workshop? Contact Lacy Allen Email: lames@interfaithhousing.org Text: 301-818-5606 Together, we can build stronger credit, stronger families, and a stronger Frederick.

Spring Grant Updates 2026

By Rachel Gardner • March 4, 2026
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce 12 funding awards totaling more than $333k during the last two quarters from our community partners. In September 2025, IHA was awarded two grants that will support the organization’s Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services. IHA received a $30,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Maryland Housing Counseling Fund (MHCF). IHA also received a $10,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation. These grants will support the full spectrum of community programming we offer, including: group educational workshops on financial health; individualized financial coaching and housing counseling; and pathways to homeownership. In October 2025, IHA received a $125,000 grant from Morgan Stanley. This grant supports IHA in its ongoing quest to create and provide affordable housing opportunities for LMI community members. It also allows IHA to continue supporting community members through our Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services.. IHA was also awarded a grant by the Ausherman Family Foundation. This 2:1 matching grant will match up to $30,000 in donations raised from community members and IHA’s Board of Directors during the organization's 2025-2026 annual appeal. Funds will support the full range of IHA’s services and programming. In November 2025 and January 2026, IHA was awarded a total allocation of $45,000 in State tax credits through the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) Program of Maryland’s DHCD. Donors who make contributions of $500 or more to IHA in support of our mission are eligible to earn tax credits equal to 50% of the value of the money, goods, or real property contribution. These tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both Federal and State taxes as a result of the charitable contribution. In November 2025, IHA was awarded a $20,000 grant from Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. This grant supports three of IHA’s programs: Credit Café; Financial Freedom Bootcamp; and the Frederick Affordable Homeownership Incubator (FAHI). Credit Café participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp builds critical foundational skills for financial success. FAHI is a new program in the planning phase that takes a multisectoral approach to affordable housing. IHA also received two funding awards in support of its Credit Café program. IHA’s $10,000 application to participate in United Way of Frederick County’s Annual Unity Campaign was approved. This approval enables IHA to participate in the Spring 2026 Unity Campaign alongside other local nonprofit organizations to collectively raise funds in the Frederick County community. IHA also received a $1,500 Community Grant from the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek (RCCC). Credit Café promotes financial stability among LMI households through group credit education and free, individualized credit advising. Participants partner with a financial coach to create a strategic plan to either build, boost, or improve their report. In addition, IHA received a $1,518.91 designated grant from The PNC Homeownership Fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. These pass-through funds will directly support low- to moderate-income (LMI) households in achieving homeownership in Frederick County. In December 2025, IHA was awarded a $55,676 grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT). This grant supports the rehabilitation of IHA’s Weinberg House. This 23-unit affordable rental community in Frederick, MD was originally built in 1994 and houses senior members of our community ages 62 and older with very low to moderate income. The rehabilitation project includes upgrades to heating, appliances, plumbing, drywall, flooring, lighting, cabinets, and countertops. IHA also received a $5,000 donor-advised grant from The Nicholson Family Fund of Morgan Stanley. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the communities we serve.
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