IHA Celebrated Purchase Repair Homeownership in June!

Lacy Ames • September 5, 2023

IHA Celebrated Purchase Repair Homeownership in June!

During June's National Homeownership Month, IHA's Purchase Repair Homeownership Program commemorated the occasion by organizing an event at the downtown Frederick library. The program's comprehensive approach, which combines assistance for purchasing with support for repairs, underscores its unwavering commitment to ensuring that individuals and families not only attain homeownership but also possess the means to uphold and enhance their residences over the long term. This type of initiative plays a role in fostering both housing stability and stronger communities. 


In conjunction with IHA, the event welcomed a variety of partners including the United Way of Frederick County, USDA – RD, NeighborGood Partners, City of Frederick Housing & Human Services, Frederick County HCD, Long & Foster Realty, Clear Title, LLC, Middletown Valley Bank, and Peace of Mind Home Inspections. This impressive alliance truly illustrates that IHA's Purchase Repair Homeownership program unites a formidable group of collaborators to aid clients in realizing their ultimate aspiration of homeownership. 


The effects of this event were deeply felt by partners and clients alike, yielding successes in networking and facilitating initial face-to-face interactions. Their testimonials reflect the positive outcomes of the fair, capturing the essence of their experiences. 

Jill from NeighborGood Partners stated “I think hosting a Homeownership Fair is such a great service to Frederick County! Potential homebuyers can get a lot of different information from one location in a short period of time. There were lots of organizations to learn from and talk to; everyone there was super friendly and ready to help! It was great to be at the Homeownership Fair, hosted by Interfaith Housing Alliance. I have been working with IHA for a long time but hadn’t been able to see their staff in a long time due to COVID. It was great to catch up!”. 


Middletown Valley Bank stated “Middletown Valley Bank is appreciative to Interfaith Housing Alliance for including us in the June Homeownership Event. We believe that access to affordable housing programs such as IHA’s Purchase-Repair Homeownership Program are vital to the wellbeing of our communities. The June Home Ownership Event highlighted the importance of inclusion and financial education, as attendees were given the opportunity to learn more about the entire homeownership process, not just the homebuying process.” 


Joyce of United way of Frederick County stated “It was great connecting with potential clients, some of whom I had connected with via phone.  I especially liked that they were able to connect with several organizations at the same time and get their questions answered on the spot. They also learned how some of the organizations present work together. It was great meeting colleagues from other organizations I only knew by name, via phone, or met on a virtual meeting and learning more about their programs.” 

Michelle, PRP Client, stated “It was great finally connecting to organizations and individuals face to face instead of behind a computer for the first time in almost 3 years of working with IHA!” 


Another PRP Client stated “I didn’t know if homeownership was even possible and I’ve heard about IHA’s Purchase Repair program so many times but was apprehensive. Finally meeting staff face to face and asking the important questions helped me feel more confident that I COULD pursue my lifelong dream of homeownership!” 


Another Partner stated “It was nice to finally meet and network with the partners involved in the entire Purchase Repair process who I’ve only heard of or communicated with over the phone. I hope IHA does this again in the future.” 



Due to the previous successes and interest, IHA will be hosting a second homeownership fair on Monday, October 2nd at 5 – 8pm at the C. Burr Arts Public Library located at 110 E. Patrick Street Frederick, MD 21701. In addition to a homeownership fair, IHA is bringing an in-person Credit Café Workshop to occur during the fair as well! To RSVP and get the most up-to-date information as its available, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/9mxVwppciQ 


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.
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