What Stresses You During the Holidays?

Carol Riggles • November 29, 2021

What Stresses You During the Holidays?

For months the news has been filled with supply chain problems and recommendations to start your holiday shopping early. We are told there is a long list of problems plaguing the retail sector right now, including labor shortages, lack of inventory and eager consumers ready to spend, and this holiday shopping season is expected to be stressful and expensive. 


So here we are, in December, and many of us are a bit frantic.  But not all of us, at least not about whether we can find the perfect gifts for the holidays. 


There are many in our community who can’t afford gifts because they can’t afford food, medical care, transportation, and even housing. If you can’t afford your basic needs, holiday shopping is not even a concern. Staying housed, clothed and healthy are what stresses them, and not just during the holiday season, but all year long, often year after year. 


At this time of year, many organizations offer us opportunities to “Adopt a Family” and to provide gifts on the family’s wish list.  For families who have to make decisions about paying bills, keeping the heat on, or getting food on the table, these programs can offer families a way to keep their children’s lives a bit more normal.  Kids can go back to school after winter break and show off their new clothes, just like the other children. 


But the benefits are short-lived because after the holiday gift-giving season, these families are still faced with the overwhelming decisions of paying for food or paying for electricity, and this worry continues all year round. 


During the holidays many of us take time to reflect on what brings us joy - family and friends, laughter and love, health and stability. We would like you to consider another form of joy - helping others with passion. 


Passion should be the foundation for helping others. It is not how much you give, but how much love you put into giving. It is only natural that some of you will care about this cause and not so much about that cause, and that’s okay. It is not simply a matter of doing the right thing, but also a matter of choosing a cause that matters to you. 



Helping others may just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful.  The key is to find the approach that fits. When we do, the more we give, the more we stand to gain in purpose, meaning and happiness - things we all stress about finding in our lives, but seldom do. 

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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