According to the most recent Point-In-Time Count, there are 220 people experiencing homelessness in Harford County on any given night. This often-overlooked population faces hardships that are rarely acknowledged, and their personal stories are seldom heard.
Understanding the barriers of homelessness is essential, but it’s equally important to recognize that each individual’s journey through homelessness is shaped by unique challenges and experiences. Every person’s story helps provide critical context, painting a clearer picture as to what homelessness in Harford County truly looks like.
Former resident Devonte, age 24, recounts his time spent living in a cold park for two weeks prior to coming to Harford Family House. He shares that he would “use the hand dryers in the library bathrooms for warmth” and “freshen up” in the sink. Devonte adds that this was his replacement for a shower, although he mentions he viewed it more as a “bird bath.” Devonte would sleep on a slide in the park every night until he found refuge from the elements at Harford Family House.
For other residents we have served, physical violence was not uncommon when sleeping outside. A former HFH resident, age 68, was often beaten and robbed of his money at the train station he frequented for transportation. This caused paranoia to fester and become another barrier for him to overcome. One current HFH resident was brutally jumped and robbed while living in a local encampment just days prior to entering our emergency shelter. The injuries he suffered led to chronic health issues.
Jenn Greenleaf, HFH Director of Homelessness Services, shares that being asked to relocate is also a common experience for those living outdoors. “We see it all the time.” People often seek safety in public spaces, but business owners, concerned about deterring customers, sometimes force them to move along, pushing them into more dangerous locations.
For many unhoused individuals, basic privacy and dignity are luxuries they don’t get to enjoy. Some are forced to relieve themselves outside, stripping them of their humanity and dignity.
Those who are employed must find a means to then look presentable for work the next day, often through use of public bathrooms and sanitary wipes. Lack of hygiene can affect their job standing. For others who are unemployed, job searches can be extremely difficult without resources to maintain proper hygiene or a permanent residence to list on the application.
Experiencing homelessness comes with numerous challenges that often go unnoticed, such as sleep deprivation, struggles to afford public transportation, and limited access to the internet or online job applications. These invisible barriers make daily life even harder. At Harford Family House, we are dedicated to providing the life-changing support and resources needed to overcome these obstacles. Our neighbors deserve care and compassion, especially when they are facing their most difficult moments.