Temporary Relocation Creates Permanent Friendships

inte8821 • March 29, 2016

What began as the need to modernize a senior apartment building in downtown Frederick quickly turned into an inspiring collaboration that involved Frederick County government, local organizations and businesses.

Weinberg House, IHA’s senior facility in Frederick, required an elevator upgrade and the addition of several safety features to bathrooms in each of the 23 apartments. These safety additions included tub conversions, the installation of grab bars and removable showerheads.

To complete the work in the fastest, safest way possible, the senior residents were relocated for three weeks thanks to the generosity of Plamondon Hospitality Partners, Tranquillity of Fredericktowne, Community Living, and family members. The relocation was a significant endeavor coordinated by Interfaith Housing Alliance staff with tremendous support from the community.

The YMCA of Frederick County utilized their Head Start vans for transportation. Volunteers from On Our Own, Frederick Random Acts of Kindness, Potomac Case Management, Frederick Rescue Mission and Beacon House residents, IHA staff, family and friends all helped residents move out and then move back into the building three weeks later. Each resident also had a dedicated volunteer to assist in packing and unpacking.

“Without a doubt, the entire process would not have unfolded so smoothly without the generosity and assistance from many in our community,” said Patricia Motter, President and CEO of IHA. “So many gave so selflessly to make the transition successful.”

The residents appreciated it, too. Weinberg resident Donald Lyles said, “One word sums it up, excellent! The volunteers were courteous and had a positive outlook.”

The bonds that were formed over these few weeks will no doubt carry forward as the residents settle in back home. “The outpouring of support for our seniors was heart-warming,” said Mary Ellen Mitchell, Director of Community Relations for IHA. “These volunteers exemplify the spirit of community in Frederick, as our clients bonded with them.”

Both Motter and Mitchell expressed a desire to foster further connections between their seniors and the community.

For more information on how you can volunteer for a variety of IHA initiatives, please visit our Facebook page at Interfaith Housing Alliance or call our office at 301.662.4225.

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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