Interfaith Housing Alliance Opens Washington Square Apartments

octavodesigns • April 25, 2011

Chambersburg, PA – Guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new active senior apartment complex could be heard saying, “I can’t believe how beautiful this is.” and

“I would be very happy living here.” The two-story facility includes a large community room with three distinct areas. There is a large screen TV flanked by two comfortable sofas on the left, a kitchen and community dining table that can also be used for games and crafts on the right, and a large fireplace with several upholstered chairs in the center for reading and conversation.

On the second floor residents can enjoy the large exercise room, already equipped with a Wiii game system, two televisions, a treadmill and a stationary bike, with plenty of room for yoga mats. Next door is a computer center that residents are welcome to use for their personal internet and email access.

All of the light-filled apartments have an open layout that enables easy access throughout the space to those in a wheelchair or using a walker. The fully appointed kitchens have plenty of counter space, oak cabinetry, and brand new appliances including a dishwasher and microwave. Residents have the option to install a washer and dryer in their apartments (the hookups are already installed) or to visit one of two cheerfully decorated laundry rooms. Each apartment has two-bedrooms and plenty of storage space.

The successful completion of the facility took many years of perseverance at a time when many believed such undertaking was nearly impossible to achieve. The effect on the neighborhood’s appearance is remarkable. What was formerly an unoccupied retail store is now a park-like setting with a walking trail and a large cedar gazebo.

Several of the new residents attended the formal ribbon cutting ceremony and they were proud to show off their new home. Jack V. Jones, the Elm Street Manager for the Borough of Chambersburg, recognized the residents and announced that this was just the beginning of the program’s plan to create more affordable housing for the community.

Patricia A. Motter, President and CEO of Interfaith Housing Alliance, and David Uram, principal at PIRHL LLC, co-developers of the facility, thanked all of the people and organizations that contributed to the successful completion of the apartment complex including Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Council President Bill McLaughlin, Head of Planning Phil Wogelmuth, President of Downtown Chambersburg Inc. Paul Cullinane, and William Snell, President of F&M Trust. Special thanks were given to Holly Glauser, Director of Development for PHFA, for the funding support provided by the agency.

Ms. Glauser was extremely appreciative of the hard work and collaboration between everyone, especially PIRHL and Interfaith Housing Alliance.

Ms. Motter concluded the ceremony with the promise, “We are committed to our relationship with Chambersburg and we consider ourselves good neighbors and long-term friends to the downtown community.”

An open house is scheduled for the Chambersburg community on Saturday to welcome neighbors and downtown business owners to see that dreams for revitalizing the neighborhood can come true. Tours of the public areas and several apartments will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Washington Square Apartments is located opposite the Southgate Shopping Plaza at 78 W. Washington Street.

Interfaith Housing Alliance, the owner and manager of Washington Square Apartments, is a non-profit affordable housing developer and property management organization based in Frederick, MD, and serving central and western Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania.

Fall Updates from IHA

September 2, 2026
A quarter of grant wins, community partnerships, and small moments that remind us why this work matters. Here's what's been happening at Interfaith Housing Alliance since the summer. GRANTS & FUNDING: Four New Grants Fuel IHA's Work This Quarter Interfaith Housing Alliance is proud to announce four funding awards totaling $220,000 during the last quarter from our community partners. In June 2026, IHA was awarded a $30,000 grant by Ausherman Family Foundation. This capacity-building grant will provide funding support for the organization during its transition to new leadership. It will also support IHA's work with key community consultants with the goal of recentering IHA's programs and services in Frederick, MD. In July 2026, IHA was awarded a $125,000 grant from Morgan Stanley. This operational grant supports IHA in its ongoing quest to create and provide affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income (LMI) community members. It also supports IHA's continued community programming, which provides access to financial education and affordable homeownership opportunities. In August 2026, IHA received two funding awards in support of IHA's Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services. IHA was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Maryland Housing Counseling Fund (MHCF). IHA was also awarded a $35,000 grant by Rural Maryland Council (RMC) through their Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) program. These grants will support the full spectrum of community programming IHA offers, including group educational workshops on financial health, individualized financial coaching and housing counseling, and pathways to affordable homeownership. We are deeply grateful to these partners for their continued investment in this community.

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.
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