Purchase Repair Program Testimonial

Jodie Ostoich • September 10, 2024

“My experience working with Gabriel and the IHA team has been a good journey. My sons and I have learned how to do some home repairs and home improvements, and the oldest is now inspired to learn more and do home improvement and repair work. Gabriel has been a great teacher, very inspirational and supportive, and just wonderful.”

On July 12, 2024, a 14-year journey and dream of owning a home became a reality for LaShonda. On that day, we were with her as she received the keys to her new home. It’s truly a blessing to see how the team and IHA, with their diligent and selfless efforts, was a part of this dream come true for LaShonda.

But that day wasn’t the destination. It was the beginning of a new journey for LaShonda and her sons. Now for the fun part: the repair list. There were quite a few items that needed to be addressed before LaShonda could finally call it “home.” The list ranged from a replacement water heater to items as small as nail pops in the ceiling throughout the home. Here is where the skills of our construction manager, Gabriel Jimenez, were brought to bear. He oversaw her choice of contractors, along with spending time with LaShonda and her sons showing them how to do basic home repairs. Her oldest son took on the task of spackling throughout the home, while her younger son came behind and sanded and painted. He also learned how to install battery powered smoke detectors and a new closet door track. Her older son also learned to caulk and even installed an anti-tip bracket behind the stove. He even replaced the toilet valve flap in the tank on his own. Gabriel, later received a text from LaShonda saying “Anthony (her older son) is really inspired to do home improvement now!”

But wait there’s more…

On August 24, JAM (Jesus Alive Ministries) in Waynesboro brought their “S.W.E.A.T” team volunteers to LaShonda’s home, and, with LaShonda and her son, replaced deck boards, build steps for the deck, replaced an exterior door and even spread over 60 bags of fill dirt to properly grade the side of her home.

Now we’re in the final stages! With help from Gabriel, the S.W.E.A.T team, and LaShonda, a significant amount of money was saved which now allows LaShonda to tackle the last big item on her list; Flooring for the kitchen. She and Gabriel shopped and 3 different stores until she found the type that she liked best. Floor and Décor in Gaithersburg was the winner!!

Here’s what LaShonda had to say about her experience so far:

“My experience working with Gabriel and the IHA team has been a good journey. My sons and I have learned how to do some home repairs and home improvements, and the oldest is now inspired to learn more and do home improvement and repair work. Gabriel has been a great teacher, very inspirational and supportive, and just wonderful.”

One of the greatest things we can provide to a family is inspiration and mentorship and IHA brought that to LaShonda and her sons.

2025 Out of Reach

By Jodie Ostoich • September 8, 2025
Maryland and Frederick County: A Growing Housing Affordability Crisis Each year around this time, I share data that highlights the growing challenge of housing affordability in Maryland—and this year is no exception. Maryland now ranks as the 8th most expensive state in terms of wages needed to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. A worker must earn $39.15 per hour —or nearly $81,450 annually —just to meet that threshold. Unfortunately, the situation in Frederick County is even more severe. Alongside Calvert and Charles counties, Frederick tops the list, requiring a staggering $44.50 per hour —equivalent to $92,560 annually —to afford a two-bedroom apartment.  Meanwhile, the average renter in Frederick earns just $18.25 per hour , which translates to an affordable rent of only $949 per month —far below what the market demands. This stark disparity is exactly why the mission of Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is so critical. We are committed to addressing these inequities and advocating for solutions that make safe, stable housing accessible to all. Below, you’ll find the 2025 data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition , detailing housing affordability across Maryland and its counties.

Fall Newsletter Grant Updates

By Rachel Gardner • September 8, 2025
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce two funding awards received this quarter from community partners. In July 2025, IHA received a $3,500 grant from The Croteau Family Charitable Gift Fund, which is a donor-advised fund (DAF) held at T. Rowe Price Charitable. IHA also received a $5,000 grant from The Natelli Communities Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the many communities we serve.

Build Confidence With Your Finances at Financial Freedom Bootcamp

By Lacy Allen • September 8, 2025
Money can sometimes feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to! This October, Interfaith Housing Alliance is offering our next Financial Freedom Bootcamp, a free, two-part workshop designed to help you take positive steps toward financial stability and confidence.  The bootcamp kicks off with an in-person workshop on October 15th from 5:30–7:00pm, where participants will explore the building blocks of financial health. You’ll learn how to create a budget that actually works for your lifestyle, discover the best practices for saving, and walk away with strategies for reducing debt in realistic and manageable ways. After the first session, participants are invited to take part in an optional virtual Credit Café, a supportive space to dive deeper into questions about credit and money management. This extra resource helps reinforce what you’ve learned and gives you the chance to connect with others working toward similar goals. The second workshop will be held virtually on October 29th from 5:30–7:00pm, making it convenient to join from home. This session will focus on building confidence when communicating with creditors, understanding your credit, and setting SMART goals to stay on track for the future. Together, these two sessions provide practical, easy-to-use tools to support your financial journey. No matter where you are starting from—whether you’re new to budgeting, trying to rebuild your credit, or just looking for ways to feel more in control—Financial Freedom Bootcamp is a welcoming and encouraging place to begin. At a Glance What : Financial Freedom Bootcamp – free, two-part workshop series When: October 15th (in-person) & October 29th (virtual), both 5:30–7:00pm Topics: Budgeting, saving, debt reduction, credit confidence, SMART goal setting Extras: Optional virtual Credit Café between sessions Register: Contact Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org or 301-662-4425 ext. 1203
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