Homeownership Success!

inte8821 • June 1, 2016

Melanie was referred to IHA’s Purchase Repair Homeownership program in May 2015 by her real estate agent because her income was so low and had less than $50 in savings to put toward the purchase of a home. Kelly Losquadro with Long & Foster was familiar with the program and had successfully helped two other program participants become homeowners as well. Unlike most of IHA’s homeownership candidates, Melanie’s credit score was just high enough to prequalify immediately for the USDA-RD 502 Direct home loan. She had worked very hard for three years to get that score after an unexpected divorce and subsequent bankruptcy.

Not only was Melanie motivated to own her own home someday, she knew that financially the sooner she could make it happen the better. Because of her low income, she could only afford to pay $600 a month for housing. The apartment she was renting for herself and her 15-year old daughter was $875 a month and would be increasing every year.
Even though the lender did not require a down payment, there are other upfront costs associated with buying a home such as an earnest deposit that is required when making a contract offer and several different types of inspections. Melanie was advised that she would need to save $1,500 to $2,000 in order to become a homeowner. So she scrimped and saved and by August she was ready to begin shopping!

In her price range, there is a lot of competition from investors who like to buy fixer-uppers and flip them after they are renovated. Melanie persevered and finally made a successful contract offer on a home in downtown Woodsboro which was tiny but perfect for her needs.

Everything was going smoothly toward settlement until a week before closing when the appraisal came back much lower than expected. Melanie was faced with having to pay almost $3,000 in closing costs out of pocket – money she did not have and couldn’t borrow. Melanie would have had to walk away from the home of her dreams (and her $1,000 earnest deposit) if it hadn’t been for the PNC Bank Homeownership Assistance Fund managed by the Community Foundation of Frederick County. IHA had been awarded $1,442.55 in October of 2014 and $1,393.13 in November 2015. The entire amount was given directly to Melanie’s settlement company so that she could proceed.

In Decemeber 2015, Melanie and her daughter moved into their new home and began the hard work of repairing the many items on her list that she could learn to do for herself, thus saving money over her entire lifetime of homeownership. She did some siding and gutter repairs, she did interior trim work, removed and fixed window sashes and interior doors, she installed closet shelving and rods, and she caulked throughout the interior and exterior of her home. She even crawled under her home to install the dryer vent properly!

All of Melanie’s hard work and perseverance paid off. She has a mortgage she can afford, a home she loves, and $10,000 in “sweat equity” already!

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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