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HELPING FAMILIES BECOME FINANCIALLY STABLE AND INDEPENDENT – United Way partners with IHA

inte8821 • May 2, 2012

HELPING FAMILIES BECOME FINANCIALLY STABLE AND INDEPENDENT
Edited version was published in the Frederick News-Post on April 4, 2012

Pictured left to right: Leslie Kinkead, Brian Duchon, Josh Pedersen, Patricia Motter and Travis Hardmon

FREDERICK — Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) and the United Way of Frederick County (UWFC) have partnered to provide financial education classes and housing counseling services to low income Frederick County residents as part of IHA’s Housing First program.

IHA’s Housing First program has three components:

1) Rental Housing for Low Income Seniors, Families and Individuals – IHA provides safe and affordable rental housing in Frederick County to seniors, families and individuals who earn 50% or less than the Frederick County Area Median Income.

2) Financial Education – Group and one-on-one training in budgeting and personal financial management strategies.

3) Housing Counseling – Training and counseling on navigating the home buying process, credit and debt management, asset building, and foreclosure prevention strategies.

Josh Pedersen, UWFC’s Chief Executive Officer, said “This partnership with Interfaith Housing Alliance represents a mutual commitment to addressing the financial stability of those in need right here in Frederick. IHA’s unique ability to provide affordable housing paired with its focus on financial education, debt management and foreclosure prevention is truly changing community conditions for the long term. United Way is investing in these programs because we know these services help families become more self-sufficient and this leads to a stronger workforce and vibrant economy.”

IHA’s Housing First program aligns with the United Way goal for the common good to create positive and lasting change. In addition to helping families become financially stable and independent, the program supports basic needs while increasing the financial literacy of working families that are having difficulty making ends meet.

IHA will partner with three other local nonprofit organizations to work together with United Way’s board member and Income Committee Chairperson, Leslie Ivy Kinkead. “As a UWFC Board Member and realtor in the Frederick community, I am so pleased with the work being done by Interfaith Housing Alliance. IHA actively identified the affordable housing needs and has championed the cause. The Income Committee was inspired to grant funding over the next three years because of IHA’s strong proposal, demonstrable outcomes, past success and future plans,” said Ms. Kinkead.

“We are honored that we have so much community support for our programs and services,” said Patricia Motter, IHA’s President. “In addition to the three year United Way grant, we also received grants from the Ausherman Family and the Delaplaine Foundation for services provided to residents of Frederick County. The need for more affordable rental housing is real, and we welcome partnerships with the business community, the faith community, and individuals to help provide for the community’s needs.”

The Community Foundation of Frederick County Human Needs Assessment, published in August 2011, announced that affordable housing is the top unmet need in Frederick County. Not only was it named the top unmet need, it was mentioned more than three times as often as the number two unmet need – jobs.
The study determined that “36% of Frederick County homeowners spend more than 30% of their gross income on housing and the number of Frederick County renters who spend more than 50% of their income on housing went up 6% between 2000 and 2008.” According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “families who pay more than 30% of their income for housing are considered cost burdened and likely to have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and health care.”

The CFFC Needs Assessment also notes that, “Frederick County faces a shrinking supply of affordable rental housing, which has declined by 15% over the past 10 years. In fact, there have only been 125 new rental units added in Frederick City over the past decade.” The challenges have been exacerbated by the increase in demand for rental housing due to the increase in foreclosures caused by falling home values, reduced incomes and more stringent mortgage loan requirements.

IHA’s Housing First program is designed to help Frederick County residents reduce their housing costs and improve their financial stability through financial education and information about community resources that provide zero or low-cost services needed by our residents.

IHA strengthens communities by providing affordable housing opportunities and supportive services to improve the quality of life and economic stability for seniors, working families and individuals. For more information about Interfaith Housing Alliance and its programs, please visit www.interfaithhousing.org or call Travis Hardmon, IHA’s Vice President of Development & Community Relations, at 301-662-4225 x1213.

The United Way of Frederick County unites local resources to provide the most effective response to community issues in Frederick County and has the vision to build a community where everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their potential. For more information about UWFC’s Community Impact initiative, please contact their Community Impact Director, Brian Duchon, at 301-663-4231 or visit www.unitedwayfrederick.org.

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.
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