Blog Layout

Lindsey's Homeownership Success Story

Lindsey • September 6, 2022

Lindsey states "My life has many new beginnings; some of them have been positive and full of hope, some of them have brought everything to a screeching halt. Nevertheless, I have faced these changes and challenges with optimism and determination. My priority has always been the well-being of my four children and trying to surround them with an atmosphere of love, hope and acceptance.


In the summer of 2017, I left with my children from an abusive marriage. The years leading up to that point were filled with trauma, financial instability and bankruptcy, housing insecurity, PTSD, crippling self-doubt, uncertainty, and fear. When I was finally able to break free of that cycle, we moved back to my childhood home with my parents. While it was not an ideal situation, it was the best option available to begin the process of healing and rebuilding our lives.


Over the next several years, my children and I adapted to life in a multi-generational home that was not our own. There were many adjustments to be made, obstacles to overcome and some significant losses to endure. Lengthy custody battles left me financially drained and emotionally exhausted. I found a great sense of purpose working at Heartly House and helping others going through similar circumstances. I learned new skills and regained self-esteem that had been torn apart in the previous years.


Then, last fall, I learned that the home we were living in was going to be sold. The need to find a safe space for my family to call our own became not only a necessity, but the only clear path toward healing. I researched every option available to provide my (now teenage) children with our own home before summer. With skyrocketing home prices and rentals costing twice as much as I could afford, the situation was daunting.


I discovered the Interfaith Housing Alliance and USDA-RD loan program. I applied and was connected with the amazing people who helped me complete the mortgage application. Vivian and Carol made sure that every question was answered, and every document submitted for USDA to process the loan package. Once I received my COE, they connected me with a fantastic realtor, and I began searching for a home in the height of an insane real estate market. I was also able to tell my children the good news - that I was going to buy a house for us.


There were a few bumps along the way, but we found our forever home. We have more space than ever before. We live in a nice neighborhood that has everything we need close by. My daily commute was cut by more than half. My monthly mortgage payment is completely manageable and far less than rent would be for a home this size. I can take pride in the repairs I do and changes I make to it, and we can make it all our own. There will always be things in life that are out of my control but having a safe place to live is no longer one of them. Our family is finally home.


In the short month since I went to closing, our lives have changed in so many positive ways. We have true stability for the first time in years and our fate is in our own hands. I was able to give my children a place that is their own, a space to heal and grow, and a home that is filled with love and acceptance. Words cannot describe the amount of peace and empowerment that has come from buying my own home. Five years ago, when my life changed completely overnight, I never would have imagined this as a possibility. Now here we are, looking to the future with hope and confidence.


I would encourage anyone facing housing insecurity to contact IHA. They have been supportive and helpful every step of the way. I would not have been able to navigate through the application process with USDA without them. IHA helped to find any/all of the local programs that could assist with funding. They helped me narrow down my options and determine how much I could comfortably manage for a mortgage. My family has bright paths ahead now, and that we can walk with confidence knowing that we have a home. I have IHA to thank for that."

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Community Impact

By Cole Larkins • December 4, 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, IHA reflects on our continued commitment to making homeownership attainable and affordable for families at or below a median income. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and impactful community partnerships. A Personal Note from Cole Larkins I joined IHA as the Frederick County Property Manager just over a year ago, bringing with me a diverse background in property and portfolio management, residential mortgage finance, and entrepreneurship. Following a pivotal moment in my life in late 2021, I chose to leave a successful career in Baltimore’s finance sector to pursue a path that aligned more deeply with my faith and values—a path focused on uplifting others and creating meaningful change. This journey led me to IHA, where I have found profound fulfillment in serving our community and advancing our mission of affordable housing and homeownership. Celebrating the New Homeownership Program For more than a decade, IHA’s purchase & repair program has been a cornerstone of affordable homeownership in our region. In 2024, we have worked to sustain the availability of USDA-funded direct loans while also broadening our lending capacity within USDA guidelines. These efforts are designed to expand the scope of our services, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our communities. We very much look forward to our continued facilitation of USDA loans in 2025. We are also thrilled to announce a new initiative aimed at pairing households with community banks, lenders, and other resources outside the scope of USDA funding. This expansion reflects our commitment to empowering families with diverse financing options and creating pathways to sustainable homeownership. Community Partnerships Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. A special thanks to Danielle Adams of the Frederick County Building Industry Association for her invaluable support in fostering connections with local financial institutions. Dani’s efforts, alongside those of our community partners, have been instrumental in advancing affordable homeownership. We also extend our gratitude to the following community partners and their team members:  Woodsboro Bank: Richard Ohnmacht, Thomas Ramsay, and Erin E. Dietrich Patriot Federal Credit Union: Tricia Wareham Sandy Spring Bank: Kelly Vita and Houston Darling ACNB: Art Rathell Nymeo Federal Credit Union: Gwen Farrell, Marie Zinnert, and Jason Ambrose MLend: Chuck Via Building the Future Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities for new housing developments and deeper collaborations with regional nonprofits who share our mission of affordable homeownership. Technological advancements are also driving our efforts, as we fully integrate Salesforce and AI into our administrative processes to better serve our clients and community. An Entire Team Effort – Thank You Team! Our success reflects the dedication and collaboration of our incredible team: Program Leadership & Team: I am grateful for the guidance of Jodie Ostoich, our President and CEO, Rachel Gardner, our Programs and Grants Director, and Lacy Allen, our Financial Health and Digital Engagement Manager. Their leadership inspires our mission and fuels our success particularly in the homeownership program. Finance Leadership & Team: A special thank-you to Anna Rini and her exceptional team for their expertise and support throughout my transition into the homeownership program. Technical Assistance Partners: Frank Datillo and Jill Lordan of NeighborGood Partners have provided invaluable expert guidance, helping us navigate and strengthen our programs. Property Management Leadership & Team: Crystal Thomas and her team have done an outstanding job at the Residences at Railroad Square in Brunswick, MD, ensuring families have a beautiful place to call home. Their hard work and collaboration have helped me grow and thrive at IHA. A Season of Gratitude As I celebrate my first anniversary at IHA, which I marked on November 14, 2024, I feel immense pride and gratitude for the work we have accomplished together. This year has been a true labor of love, and I look forward to the continued growth and impact we will achieve in the years ahead. From all of us at IHA, we wish you a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous holiday season and new year. Warm regards, Cole Larkins Homeownership Program Manager

Financial Freedom Bootcamp – December 2024

By Lacy Ames • December 4, 2024
Are you ready to take charge of your finances and kickstart 2025 with confidence? Starting this January, the Financial Freedom Bootcamp offers a practical, hands-on workshop designed to help you master budgeting, grow your savings, reduce debt, and set achievable financial goals. This program is perfect for anyone looking to make smarter money decisions and build a brighter financial future. The Financial Freedom Bootcamp was developed to revitalize our previous program, Prescription for Financial Health, which was offered via Facebook groups during the onset of COVID. In its earlier format, the workshop operated in person over three months with small working groups. This updated program condenses the same valuable knowledge into a shorter time frame, making it m ore accessible and efficient. Additionally, the new format brings clients back together for hands-on activities and in-person conversations, creating a more engaging and interactive learning experience. Whether you’re new to financial literacy or revisiting your goals, the Bootcamp is a fresh, modern way to take charge of your finances. The Bootcamp begins with Part 1, the Budget & Savings Workshop, held in person on January 8th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Part 2, the Optional Credit Café Workshop, will be held virtually on Zoom on January 15th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Part 3, the Debt Reduction & Goal Setting Workshop, returns in person on January 15th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Finally, Part 4 is a 6-Month Progress Meeting, held virtually on Zoom at a time that works for you, where you’ll review your progress and update your financial plans. Participants in the Bootcamp will gain valuable skills to create and stick to personalized budgets, discover strategies to save effectively, master techniques for debt reduction, and set meaningful financial goals. Plus, everyone will receive a toolkit of worksheets, apps, and virtual resources to keep them on track long after the workshop ends. Registration is required and is completed entirely online. To secure your spot, contact Lacy Allen by emailing Lames@interfaithhousing.org or calling/texting 301-818-5606. Spots are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to transform your financial future. Get ready to take control of your finances and start 2025 on the right foot!

Winter Newsletter Grant Updates

By Rachel Gardner • December 4, 2024
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce 6 funding awards received this quarter from community partners. In August 2024, IHA was 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 our 2024 annual appeal. Funds will support the full range of IHA’s services and programming. In September 2024, IHA was awarded a $30,000 Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This grant supports the continued 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 low to moderate income. The rehabilitation project includes upgrades to heating, appliances, plumbing, drywall, flooring, lighting, cabinets, and countertops. In October 2024, IHA received a $1,722 donor-advised grant from T. Rowe Price. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the communities we serve. In November 2024, IHA was awarded a $125,000 grant by 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, which offer individualized and group programming through workshops and access to homeownership opportunities. 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 will enable IHA to participate in the Spring 2025 Unity Campaign alongside other local nonprofit organizations to collectively raise funds in the Frederick County community. IHA also received a $1,300 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.
Show More
Share by: