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The Unity Campaign and the Credit Café: A Perfect Pairing

Lacy Ames • March 6, 2024

Learn More About IHA's Participation In This Year's Unity Campaign!

IHA is proudly participating in the Unity Campaign for Frederick County, running from March 6th to 20th, 2024.


But what exactly is the Unity Campaign?


The Unity Campaign stands as a joint effort, bringing together nonprofit partners, sponsors, and the broader Frederick community in a collaborative donation campaign. This annual event, held every March, operates entirely online, ensuring easy accessibility for all. Moreover, every individual donation made during this campaign goes directly to the nonprofit of your choice. (And we're certainly hoping you'll choose Interfaith Housing Alliance, or "IHA.")


So, why should you consider contributing to the Unity Campaign?


All the participating nonprofits within the campaign provide vital support to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. These are families earning incomes above the Federal Poverty Level but still grappling with affording essential household needs such as housing, transportation, childcare, food, and healthcare. Shockingly, the most recent ALICE report discovered that 36% of households in Frederick County, MD fall into this category. This statistic underscores the urgency of our collective support. It's entirely conceivable that someone you know—perhaps a friend, neighbor, or colleague—is part of an ALICE household and could greatly benefit from your generosity.


Curious to delve deeper into ALICE? Follow this link to learn more: https://www.unitedwayfrederick.org/challenge-ALICE


How to Donate?  

There are two ways to donate:  

Visit this website: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/Unity2024/team/InterfaithHousing

Text Unity202418 to 71777 

Can’t donate? No problem, please help spread the word about IHA’s Unity Campaign participation! 


 


How will IHA utilize Unity Campaign Contributions?

Through the Unity Campaign, donations will directly support IHA's Credit Café Workshop. This workshop operates on a principle of inclusivity, offering its services entirely free of charge to all participants seeking assistance in enhancing their credit scores. With just $67, we can cover the expenses of providing two credit reports per attendee.


How does the Credit Café Workshop by IHA benefit ALICE households?

In today's world, an individual's credit standing influences various aspects of life, whether it's renting an apartment, applying for loans, seeking employment, or managing utility services. The Credit Café Workshop equips participants with invaluable knowledge to effect lasting, positive changes in their credit and financial decision-making. These changes empower participants to attain greater financial stability for themselves and their families, enabling them to access better housing, secure loans at lower interest rates, and pursue improved job opportunities. Most importantly, the transformative impact of the Credit Café Workshop mitigates the necessity for ALICE households to constantly confront difficult financial choices concerning their day-to-day expenses.


During the last fiscal year, July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, IHA served 145 individuals whose average yearly household income was approximately $33,795. To date in this fiscal year, July 2023 – June 2024, IHA has already served 79 individuals whose average yearly household income is approximately $36,652.   

 


How does the Credit Café Workshop operate?


The Credit Café Workshop offers a comprehensive approach, blending education with strategic credit goal setting to aid participants in improving, maintaining, or enhancing their credit scores while reducing overall debt burdens. The workshop unfolds in two key phases:


Educational Workshop: This initial phase consists of a one-hour group session offered multiple times each month throughout the year. Participants delve into a wide range of topics covering the fundamentals of credit mechanisms and best practices for its upkeep.


Personalized Credit Report Review: Following the group workshop, participants engage in a tailored 30-minute one-on-one session with an advisor, conducted virtually within one week of the group workshop. During this session, the advisor assists participants in understanding their credit reports and devising credit-related goals aligned with their future financial aspirations. Each participant receives a complimentary personal copy of their tri-merged credit report, freshly pulled on the day of the event to ensure the most current information for this individualized meeting.


Continued Support: The Credit Café Workshop provides ongoing assistance to participants beyond their initial workshop attendance. Advisors remain accessible to participants as needed, following up via email, phone calls, or text messages based on the participant's preference at 3 and 6-month intervals. These check-ins aim to ensure participants have the necessary resources to sustain their credit journey and to monitor progress. Participants are then invited back for a follow-up advising session and an updated copy of their credit report.


Moreover, the Credit Café Workshop is currently offered entirely in a virtual format, with some hybrid options emerging. Additionally, IHA offers interpretation services at no cost to participants, with interpreters available on-demand in over 240 languages.


Interested in the Credit Café Workshop? Contact Lacy Allen at lames@interfaithhousing.org or text 301-818-5606 to get started today! 

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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