Purchase Repair Homeownership Program Receives Special Recognition!

inte8821 • April 28, 2016

The staff at Interfaith Housing Alliance’s Frederick office had the distinct honor of being visited by the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development Administrator for the Rural Housing Service, Tony Hernandez, on the 21st of April. Mr. Hernandez brought with him USDA-RD State Director, Dr. William McGowan and Kathy Beisner, Assistant to the State Director. Brad King, USDA-RD Single Family Housing Program Director; Bonnie Rohrer, USDA-RD Loan Specialist; Vanessa Branch, USDA-RD Area Technician; and Jill Lordan, Self-Help Housing Director for NCALL Research also visited.

IHA is one of only six organizations in the United States offering the Purchase Repair Homeownership Program which was developed as another choice for individuals and families interested in building equity in their homes through their own labor in lieu of a down payment which is known as “Self-Help.”

In partnership with USDA Rural Development as the mortgage lender, the staff at IHA literally walks a potential homeowner through each step. From credit counseling to home repair education and advice, we have successfully helped 21 individuals and families purchase homes of their own and we expect another dozen to purchase in the next 12 months. The desire and need for affordable homeownership opportunities is reflected in the 173 individuals or families we are currently working with to become prequalified for homeownership.

IHA helps our clients attain the classic “American Dream” of homeownership. Our homeowners typically spend less per month for their mortgage, interest, property taxes and insurance (PITI) than they paid for renting an apartment. For example, our most recent homeowner was paying $1025 a month for a two-bedroom apartment and is now paying a total of $619 a month for a 3-bedroom townhome and that covers her mortgage and interest, as well as her property taxes and homeowners insurance!

It is both exciting and rewarding to see this program flourish and gain national recognition, and we very much appreciate the long-term partnership with USDA-RD. Before the Purchase Repair Program began, IHA helped 223 families or individuals build their own homes from the ground up in partnership with the USDA, Self-Help Program. IHA is very proud of the long, successful and over 20-year relationship we have had with the USDA.

Administrator Hernandez shared with IHA staff several great ideas on how to broaden our reach and increase our production, as well as suggesting additional sources of funding. He also requested that our staff help to write an article for national publication to better explain the Purchase Repair Homeownership Program. His visit resulted in a win-win for all parties involved.

For more information about our Purchase Repair Homeownership Program, please contact IHA’s Homeownership Coordinator, Carol Riggles, via email at criggles@interfaithhousing.org. The Purchase Repair Homeownership Program is just one of many ways IHA is working to resolve the lack of affordable housing throughout our region. To learn more about the programs and services IHA provides, please click here.

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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