Why Unity Campaign and the Credit Café Go Hand-in-Hand

Lacy Ames • February 28, 2023

Why Unity Campaign and the Credit Café Go Hand-in-Hand

IHA is one of thirty nonprofits who are part of the Unity Campaign for Frederick County from March 8 – 10, 2023. 

 

What is the Unity Campaign you ask?  

The Unity Campaign is a collaborative donation campaign project between nonprofit partners, sponsors and the greater Frederick community. This campaign happens annually in March and its 100% online, plus 100% of individual donations go to the nonprofit of your choice (which we are hoping you choose Interfaith Housing Alliance “IHA”). 


Why donate to the Unity Campaign? 

All included nonprofits support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households which means these families earn an income above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic household necessities such as housing, transportation, childcare, food, transportation, and health care. The most recent ALICE report found that 37% of households in Frederick County, MD are considered ALICE, so it is very possible that someone you know is an ALICE household and could benefit from your support! Interested in learning more about ALICE? Follow this link: https://www.unitedwayfrederick.org/challenge-alice  


What will IHA do with Unity Campaign Donations? 

IHA’s Credit Café Workshop will be the beneficiary of these donations through the Unity Campaign. The Credit Café Workshop is 100% free to all participants who reach out seeking assistance with improving their credit. Just $56 can help cover the cost of two credit reports per participant who attends. 


How does IHA’s Credit Café Workshop help ALICE households? 

An individual’s credit is called into question in every area of life whether they are renting an apartment, applying for a car or mortgage loan, applying for a job, or even turning on their utilities. The Credit Café increases participants' knowledge of how to make lasting, life-long changes to their credit and/or everyday financial decisions. These changes help participants secure greater financial stability for themselves and their families through pursuit of better housing, lower interest rates on loans, and/or better jobs. More than anything, the changes that Credit Café participants implement in their lives as a result of our program helps to mitigate their need to make those hard financial choices on day-to-day expenses. 

 

During the last fiscal year, July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, IHA served 135 individuals whose average yearly household income was approximately $37,813. To date in this fiscal year, July 2022 – June 2023, IHA has already served 75 individuals whose average yearly household income is approximately $34,862. 


How does the Credit Café Workshop work? 

The Credit Café Workshop combines education and strategic credit goal setting to help participants improve, maintain, or boost their credit scores and decrease their overall debts. The educational portion happens first with a 1-hour group workshop that is offered multiple times each month year-round. This workshop covers a broad array of topic related to understanding how credit works and best practices for maintaining it. 

 

The second portion is a personalized 30-minute one-on-one credit report review session with an advisor to occur virtually within 1 week of completing the group workshop. The advisor provides participants with an understanding on how to read their credit report and set credit related goals to meet their future financial needs. IHA provides each participant with a free, personal copy of their tri-merged credit report that is pulled the day of the event to provide the most up-to-date information for this one-on-one meeting. 

 

The Credit Café Workshop also includes continuous support to participants following their initial workshop attendance. While the advisor is available as needed to the participant, the advisor will follow up via email, call or text based on participant’s preference to check in at 3 and 6 months. These check-ins are to make sure the participant has everything they need to continue their credit journey and checking in on progress made. Participants are then invited to return for a second advising session and updated copy of their credit report. 


The Credit Café Workshop currently is 100% virtual with some hybrid options becoming available. In addition, IHA provides interpretation services to all those we serve at no cost to the participant. Interpreters are available on-demand and around the clock in more than 240 languages. 

 

How to Donate? 

There are two ways to donate: 

  1. Visit this website: https://igfn.us/vf/Unity2023/team/InterfaithHousingAllian14 
  2. Text Unity202337 to 71777 

 

The Unity Campaign for Frederick County will be highly advertised to bring awareness to the campaign, and it’s associated nonprofits from March 8 – 19, 2023. However, you can donate now if you do not want to wait! 



Can’t donate? No problem, please help spread the word about IHA’s Unity Campaign participation! 

 

Interested in the Credit Café Workshop? 

Contact Lacy Ames at lames@interfaithhousing.org or text 301-818-5606 to get started today! 


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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