A Word from HFH CEO and Board Chair

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It is hard to believe that at this time last year we were in the early talks of merging with Welcome One Emergency Shelter, and here we are a year later, operating as one fully-merged organization.

We tend to measure time in small increments here. Client intake to exit. Grant application opening to deadline. Meeting to meeting. Event to event. We are accustomed to the quick passing of time, yet none of us could have anticipated how quickly coming together would bear fruit in the form of client successes thanks to the improved continuum of care we are now able to provide our families and individuals.

While our merged organization is bigger and better at serving clients, with that comes a greater need for community support. One of the things that makes this crucial work possible is the funding and community awareness yielded by our events. We are so grateful for all of the sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who elect to share their time and resources with us and our mission so that we can continue doing the good work of assisting those in our community who are experiencing homelessness. You are greatly appreciated.

If you haven't already, we humbly ask you to consider joining our Harford Family House family by sponsoring, attending, or volunteering at Off the Streets and/or Boots & Bowties—two of our upcoming events.

There is no act of support too big or small. We hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Robin Tomechko, CEO

Elizabeth Mosser Knight, Board Chair

Program Happenings

Harford Family House, in collaboration with Empower4Life and Kimberly Dawe, Director of this summer's Camp Busy Bees, held a successful Back to School event for our families at the end of August. Families enjoyed an evening of back to school prepping and fellowship with a school clothes shopping experience, backpacks and supplies, dinner, crafts, and more. Big thanks to volunteers, staff, and donors for making this an awesome evening for our families and helping them start the school year on the right foot. 

Also, as a final activity before the start of school, Harford Family House children spent a few sessions throughout the month at Bacon Hall Farm for horse grooming, education, and horseback riding. The kids always appreciate time spent with friends and animals!

We would also like to recognize Denise Cotton and staff from Amazon for spending some time with our clients at the HFH Welcome One Emergency Shelter throughout the month. Our clients have had the pleasure of hearing Denise's inspirational story of life after homelessness, as well as information about employment at Amazon. Thank you for giving our clients the greatest gift of all—HOPE!

All in all, a wonderful way to wrap up the summer!

We're Back With Off the Streets!

We challenge YOU — friends, families, colleagues, churches, youth groups and organizations — to grab your tents and sleeping bags and sleep out on Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium for another round of Off the Streets - A Sleep Out in support of homelessness awareness. Join us and our community partners for this demonstration to those experiencing homelessness that we cannot stay indoors while so many remain outside. You will also enjoy the Cowboy Eats food truck, a Kid Zone, DJ, movie on the big screen, homelessness awareness, and more! Of course, everyone is welcome for the fun but not obligated to sleep overnight.

Funds and awareness raised will help our mission to assist families with children and individuals experiencing homelessness achieve independence.

What: Off the Streets - Sleep Out

Where: Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium

When: October 28, 2022 | Gates open at 5:30pm

Why: Raising homelessness awareness in Harford County

Registration for the event: https://bit.ly/OTS22fallregistration

$25 - Adults (ages 23+)

$10 - Students (ages 13-22)

$5 - Children (ages 6-12)

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Can’t attend the sleepout but still want to make a difference? Consider making a $30 donation to support someone experiencing homelessness for one night! As a supporter, your name will be listed on the event slideshow on Ripken Stadium’s big screen! We have a goal of raising funds for 30 clients for 30 nights.

Donate here: https://bit.ly/OTS2022fallham30.

For sponsorship information please contact Heather Volk at HVolk@harfordfamilyhouse.org

Join Us for Boots & Bowties - Christmas in the Country

Join us on December 2, 2022 at the beautiful Vignon Manor Farm located on the Darlington/Havre de Grace border for Boots & Bowties - Christmas in the Country! This festive event will be one for the books with delicious fare, music from Kanye Twitty, dancing, bourbon bar, beer, local wines and of course networking with Harford County business owners and community members.

Funds and awareness raised will give hope to our families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

What: Boots & Bowties - Christmas in the Country

Where: Vignon Manor Farm

When: December 2, 2022 | 7pm - 11pm

Why: To celebrate the season!

Tickets for the event: https://bit.ly/bootsandbowties22

For sponsorship information please contact Heather Volk at HVolk@harfordfamilyhouse.org

We would like to thank the Aberdeen IronBirds for having Harford Family House as a Community Partner for the 2022 season! We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to spread more awareness about homelessness in Harford County and the services we offer. Not to mention—what a great season to be a part of! #GoIronbirds