Interfaith Housing Alliance wants to help families own homes in Greencastle area

inte8821 • March 7, 2012

Interfaith Housing Alliance wants to help families own homes in Greencastle area

The nonprofit’s goal is to improve quality of life

Homes similar to this one could soon be built in Nottingham Meadows in Antrim Township by Interfaith Housing Alliance. The homes are for families interested in owning a home they can afford.

By Rachel Bryson
The Record Herald
Posted Oct 21, 2011 @ 01:08 PM

Greencastle, Pa. — Making home ownership a little more affordable is one goal of Interfaith Housing Alliance, and the group wants to build 18 homes in Antrim Township’s Nottingham Meadows.

The alliance helps families looking to own a home find or build one that is within their budget and the time they can dedicate to its upkeep.

The alliance has partnered with Franklin County to submit a Home Investment Partnership Program Community Housing and Development Organization application for $100,000 to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Franklin County Commissioners will hear comments on the proposed application at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, in their office. Once all comments have been heard, commissioners will consider adopting the proposal.

Affordable living

Living within your means is something that everyone should strive for, and IHA works with potential homeowners to make owning a home within their means a reality. The nonprofit alliance works to create and preserve quality affordable housing to meet needs and improve the quality of life for seniors, working families and others, according to its website.

The local area has a strong work force, but housing prices far exceed what many can afford, IHA President Patricia Motter said.

“We come in and help out by building homes they (residents) can afford,” Motter said.

The alliance has built several communities in south-central Pennsylvania, and this is its second project in Antrim Township. The first project, which is still under way, is 14 duplexes in Rolling Hills, located at Lindale Avenue and Route 16. Dan Ryan Builders and Sandy Spring Bank have partnered with IHA for the Rolling Hills development.

Those interested in an IHA home are evaluated on their income level, number of members in the family and if they have good credit, which allows IHA to determine the type and size of home they can afford.

“We really are trying to get them into homes they can afford,” Motter said.

In addition to providing affordable housing and some financing options, IHA also stays with the new homeowners and helps them understand all that goes into owning a home.

“We can sort out which program meets their needs,” Motter said.

Nottingham Meadows

The homes planned for Nottingham Meadows are all single-family homes and will range in style based on need and income level.

“We do wait until we have a family lined up to build the homes,” Motter added.

The community will not see all 18 homes pop up overnight, though.
“We would like to have six go up at a time,” Motter said.

The alliance has six home sites ready to go and needs families who are interested in their program.

The alliance has partnered with many organizations over the years, including builders and other businesses, and is hoping to work with Franklin County to receive $100,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development toward the project.

“We’re very appreciative to Franklin County for their support,” Motter said.
About IHA

IHA has been providing affordable housing and rental options for 21 years in Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

The group has created more than 1,100 housing units and invested more than $150 million in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Anyone interested in the new homes or looking for more information on IHA should call Sheri Huber at (301) 662-4225.

On the Net

www.interfaithhousing.org
Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.cm/interfaithhousing
Copyright 2011 Waynesboro Record Herald. Some rights reserved

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.
Show More