IHA’s Newest Homeowners: Zam Pau and family!

inte8821 • February 9, 2018

Zam Pau and his wife Vung Sian recently became IHA’s newest first-time homebuyers!

“We took this family picture on the first day we moved into our new home. We have found peace of mind and happiness and the kids are able to play freely. I would like to thank Carol (IHA). She is so kind and it has been very easy to get in touch with her. We also received a lot of help from USDA-RD, IHA, and our agent Khai. Thank you everyone!” – Zampau’s Family

 

Immigrants from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), they escaped the horrible violence and ethnic cleansing that has been occurring there and came to the US for a better life and are not US citizens. Zam is a welder at Canam Steel and he is the sole wage earner for his family of four. They have two sons, Soloman age 3 and Moses age 1.  Zam’s income is just 28% of the Area Median Income (AMI) – 30% of the AMI is considered extremely low.

They had attended one of the Credit Cafes that IHA holds in partnership with the United Way and the Housing Authority at the Prosperity Center in Frederick and heard about IHA’s Purchase Repair Homeownership Program which is designed to help very low income families to become homeowners.They made an appointment to get started and learned how much they would need to save and how to correct the problems on their credit report.

The loan product IHA’s program uses is the USDA-RD 502 Direct and after IHA helped them to bundle their loan application, they waited to get their loan approval.  Once they were approved they didn’t hesitate and quickly found a wonderful home in Frederick that needed a lot of repairs.  However, they only have to do some of the repairs themselves (125 hours) and the rest of the work, such as a new roof, updated electrical, etc. is done by licensed contractors.  Once the repairs are completed, which should only take two or three months at most, the home they purchased will be worth more than $12,000 than what they borrowed, which was the purchase price and the cost of the repairs.  They also walked away from the closing table with a check for over $1,600!

Zam and Vung are so grateful for the help and opportunity that IHA’s homeownership program provided.  Hours and hours of assistance from the credit counseling all the way through to the end of the repair process, all at no charge to them.  They feel that without our help, they could never have made this happen by themselves.  We are happy we could help them achieve their dream of finding a home they could afford that they could call their own.  Their mortgage is a fixed rate of just 3.25%, and their monthly payments (which include their taxes and insurance) are $835 a month.  The fair market rent published by HUD for a two-bedroom apartment in Frederick is almost $1,800.

 

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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