Blog Layout

Region’s Largest Nonprofit Housing Developer Celebrates 20th Anniversary

inte8821 • March 7, 2012

Region’s Largest Nonprofit Housing Developer Celebrates 20th Anniversary

(Frederick, MD) – A recognized leader in developing affordable housing, Interfaith Housing Alliance, Inc. (IHA) is an organization with a clear mission, vision and a strong passion to provide safe and affordable housing opportunities that improve and sustain the quality of life for working families, seniors, and individuals with special needs. During the past two decades, IHA has played an integral and positive role in providing such opportunities to thousands of low and moderate income households and individuals throughout central and western Maryland and south central Pennsylvania.

With a full year of events scheduled to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, IHA will be reaching out to build stronger relationships with individuals who have a strong desire to make a difference in their community. “The future need for affordable housing and supportive services is stronger than ever. Almost every family in the region has been affected by the housing crisis,” says Patricia Motter, President. “IHA’s tenants and homebuyers are generally part of a community’s essential workforce and an integral part of IHA’s vision is that everyone deserves an opportunity to work and live in the same community.”

“Transitioning to homeownership can be a real problem in our region,” states Bryan Lyburn, Director of Business Operations. “IHA, in partnership with the USDA Self-Help Housing program, works with families to build their own homes. Eligible participants learn about the financial responsibility of homeownership and each contributes up to 30 hours per week of “sweat equity” to eliminate the need for a down payment on their mortgage. The program has been especially popular with young couples facing years of living in their parent’s basement, unable to save enough to purchase a home or even afford to rent an apartment at market rates.”

IHA builds new homes, rehabilitates existing homes, and manages rental properties for families and individuals unable to afford market-rate housing. Ranging from new construction to rehabilitation of existing properties, IHA develops multi-family rental facilities that provide a future opportunity for transitioning into homeownership. In response to a growing elderly population, the organization also develops senior living facilities throughout the region.

IHA plans to add programs that go beyond the “sticks and bricks” of construction by implementing a comprehensive service delivery model. This model focuses on creating permanent and stable communities by providing supportive services and connections with community partners in the interest of families, seniors and individuals with special needs. Rebecca Broussard, IHA Asset Manager, adds, “Our most recent community, the Washington Square senior apartments located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, will showcase the new support service model. The 32-unit facility is scheduled to open on September 15th and we are holding an Open House for the community on Saturday, September 25th. You are all invited to come out and tour the beautiful apartments and community areas.”

Founded by a group of multi-denominational religious leaders deeply concerned about the absence of any significant private response to the growing plight of the region’s homeless and shelter-poor families, and with significant organizational support from the Enterprise Foundation, Interfaith Housing Alliance was incorporated in 1990 and designated a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1991. For more information, please visit www.interfaithhousing.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.
Show More
Share by: