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.

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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