Standard Charitable Foundation Awards $2,500 to IHA

inte8821 • August 13, 2013

Cumberland, Maryland – Standard Charitable Foundation has awarded a $2,500 grant to Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) to help provide training for Cumberland residents through IHA’s Housing Matters Program, which provides affordable housing opportunities, financial education, and housing counseling services for the working poor, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals or families with disadvantages and/or disabilities. IHA helps provide these individuals and families with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve economic stability and a higher quality of life.

Currently, IHA provides these affordable housing opportunities throughout Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania, and has created more than 1,100 affordable housing units, invested over $150 million in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and has received more than 30 awards of excellence for their accomplishments. ¬

“We greatly appreciate Standard Charitable Foundation’s recent contribution as we initiate the Housing Matters program in Cumberland,” said Patricia Motter, President of IHA. “IHA has been involved in the county since the 1996 opening of Washington Ridge Apartments. We are thrilled to build 25 new, beautiful lease-to-own townhomes at our Penn Avenue location that set a new standard of living for affordable housing. We look forward to offering the Housing Matters Program to the new Penn Avenue townhomes as well as to the community at large.”

Rachel Ritchey, assistant manager of Standard Bank’s Cumberland office, adds “IHA has become the one of the region’s leading non-profit in affordable housing development. They’ve reached this status because of their excellence in rental home management, ensuring responsiveness to residents needs, and through their long-term investment in the neighborhoods they serve. IHA has really done a fantastic job keeping these structures and their landscaping in immaculate condition. Having spoken with a few of the residents, you can tell they also take great pride in their homes.”

Standard Charitable Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support to not for profit organizations in the communities in which Standard Bank operates. The Standard Charitable Foundation was established in conjunction with the 2010 conversion of Standard Bank’s parent company from mutual to stock form.

Photo Caption: From left to right: Patricia Motter, President of IHA; Rebecca Broussard, asset manager of IHA; and Rachel Ritchey of Standard Bank’s Cumberland Office.

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.
Show More