Spring Into Action!

inte8821 • June 1, 2016

Over the past 25 years, IHA has opened doors for thousands of young professionals, low-income families, and fixed-income seniors in need of decent affordable housing in safe neighborhoods.

Providing affordable housing requires the attention and efforts of an entire community. IHA is dependent upon gifts and donations from individuals in our community.

We ask you to consider a gift to the annual fund by June 30 – and join us in celebrating a quarter century of caring for others. We ask that you consider whatever level of giving you can provide. Sustained donations allow IHA to maximize the impact we are able to have on this serious community problem.

What kind of effect can you have? Here is an example: Lisa found herself in danger of becoming homeless after her husband died. Without that second income, Lisa, a grocery store clerk, could no longer afford an $1850 rent and was desperate to find an affordable place for herself and her daughters. Luckily, Lisa met a real estate agent who knew about IHA’s Purchase-Repair Homeownership Program. Lisa was able to purchase a townhome with a mortgage payment that was two-thirds less than her rent and provides housing stability for her family.

Unfortunately, the need for affordable housing has increased rapidly over the past few years as the baby boomer generation enters the fixed-income world of retirement and young millennials graduate from college with massive student loans and no opportunities. Seniors are also financially stressed by growing costs of living, inadequate savings, and too little income.
We look to loyal annual fund donors and new contributors to provide financial support so we can continue to improve lives through housing that is affordable.

IHA is financially resourceful and creative; we are able to take every dollar that is donated and produce five dollars-worth of affordable housing. Over the next two years, IHA will develop 182 new units of affordable housing thus creating more doors of opportunity for those in need.

There is no “U” in IHA – but there needs to be one. We cannot meet our goals without you and we are asking for your support.

Your donation will build stronger communities where deserving families and individuals like Lisa and her daughters can afford to live, work and thrive.

Please consider mailing a donation to IHA, 5301 Buckeystown Pike, Suite 320, Frederick, MD, 21704 or online at www.interfaithousing.org. For questions, please call our Vice President of Fund Development, Hugh Gordon at 301-662-4225 x1211.

2025 Out of Reach

By Jodie Ostoich • September 8, 2025
Maryland and Frederick County: A Growing Housing Affordability Crisis Each year around this time, I share data that highlights the growing challenge of housing affordability in Maryland—and this year is no exception. Maryland now ranks as the 8th most expensive state in terms of wages needed to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. A worker must earn $39.15 per hour —or nearly $81,450 annually —just to meet that threshold. Unfortunately, the situation in Frederick County is even more severe. Alongside Calvert and Charles counties, Frederick tops the list, requiring a staggering $44.50 per hour —equivalent to $92,560 annually —to afford a two-bedroom apartment.  Meanwhile, the average renter in Frederick earns just $18.25 per hour , which translates to an affordable rent of only $949 per month —far below what the market demands. This stark disparity is exactly why the mission of Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is so critical. We are committed to addressing these inequities and advocating for solutions that make safe, stable housing accessible to all. Below, you’ll find the 2025 data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition , detailing housing affordability across Maryland and its counties.

Fall Newsletter Grant Updates

By Rachel Gardner • September 8, 2025
Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce two funding awards received this quarter from community partners. In July 2025, IHA received a $3,500 grant from The Croteau Family Charitable Gift Fund, which is a donor-advised fund (DAF) held at T. Rowe Price Charitable. IHA also received a $5,000 grant from The Natelli Communities Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. These unrestricted funds will support all of IHA’s endeavors in strengthening the many communities we serve.

Build Confidence With Your Finances at Financial Freedom Bootcamp

By Lacy Allen • September 8, 2025
Money can sometimes feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to! This October, Interfaith Housing Alliance is offering our next Financial Freedom Bootcamp, a free, two-part workshop designed to help you take positive steps toward financial stability and confidence.  The bootcamp kicks off with an in-person workshop on October 15th from 5:30–7:00pm, where participants will explore the building blocks of financial health. You’ll learn how to create a budget that actually works for your lifestyle, discover the best practices for saving, and walk away with strategies for reducing debt in realistic and manageable ways. After the first session, participants are invited to take part in an optional virtual Credit Café, a supportive space to dive deeper into questions about credit and money management. This extra resource helps reinforce what you’ve learned and gives you the chance to connect with others working toward similar goals. The second workshop will be held virtually on October 29th from 5:30–7:00pm, making it convenient to join from home. This session will focus on building confidence when communicating with creditors, understanding your credit, and setting SMART goals to stay on track for the future. Together, these two sessions provide practical, easy-to-use tools to support your financial journey. No matter where you are starting from—whether you’re new to budgeting, trying to rebuild your credit, or just looking for ways to feel more in control—Financial Freedom Bootcamp is a welcoming and encouraging place to begin. At a Glance What : Financial Freedom Bootcamp – free, two-part workshop series When: October 15th (in-person) & October 29th (virtual), both 5:30–7:00pm Topics: Budgeting, saving, debt reduction, credit confidence, SMART goal setting Extras: Optional virtual Credit Café between sessions Register: Contact Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org or 301-662-4425 ext. 1203
Show More