Region’s Largest Nonprofit Housing Developer Celebrates 20th Anniversary

inte8821 • March 7, 2012

Region’s Largest Nonprofit Housing Developer Celebrates 20th Anniversary

(Frederick, MD) – A recognized leader in developing affordable housing, Interfaith Housing Alliance, Inc. (IHA) is an organization with a clear mission, vision and a strong passion to provide safe and affordable housing opportunities that improve and sustain the quality of life for working families, seniors, and individuals with special needs. During the past two decades, IHA has played an integral and positive role in providing such opportunities to thousands of low and moderate income households and individuals throughout central and western Maryland and south central Pennsylvania.

With a full year of events scheduled to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, IHA will be reaching out to build stronger relationships with individuals who have a strong desire to make a difference in their community. “The future need for affordable housing and supportive services is stronger than ever. Almost every family in the region has been affected by the housing crisis,” says Patricia Motter, President. “IHA’s tenants and homebuyers are generally part of a community’s essential workforce and an integral part of IHA’s vision is that everyone deserves an opportunity to work and live in the same community.”

“Transitioning to homeownership can be a real problem in our region,” states Bryan Lyburn, Director of Business Operations. “IHA, in partnership with the USDA Self-Help Housing program, works with families to build their own homes. Eligible participants learn about the financial responsibility of homeownership and each contributes up to 30 hours per week of “sweat equity” to eliminate the need for a down payment on their mortgage. The program has been especially popular with young couples facing years of living in their parent’s basement, unable to save enough to purchase a home or even afford to rent an apartment at market rates.”

IHA builds new homes, rehabilitates existing homes, and manages rental properties for families and individuals unable to afford market-rate housing. Ranging from new construction to rehabilitation of existing properties, IHA develops multi-family rental facilities that provide a future opportunity for transitioning into homeownership. In response to a growing elderly population, the organization also develops senior living facilities throughout the region.

IHA plans to add programs that go beyond the “sticks and bricks” of construction by implementing a comprehensive service delivery model. This model focuses on creating permanent and stable communities by providing supportive services and connections with community partners in the interest of families, seniors and individuals with special needs. Rebecca Broussard, IHA Asset Manager, adds, “Our most recent community, the Washington Square senior apartments located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, will showcase the new support service model. The 32-unit facility is scheduled to open on September 15th and we are holding an Open House for the community on Saturday, September 25th. You are all invited to come out and tour the beautiful apartments and community areas.”

Founded by a group of multi-denominational religious leaders deeply concerned about the absence of any significant private response to the growing plight of the region’s homeless and shelter-poor families, and with significant organizational support from the Enterprise Foundation, Interfaith Housing Alliance was incorporated in 1990 and designated a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1991. For more information, please visit www.interfaithhousing.org.

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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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