At Harford Family House, we believe every family deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and the Nanfack family’s story is a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together to uplift one another.
The Nanfack family, a two-parent household with three children, became part of our program in early 2023. Their journey with us began two years ago when they immigrated from Cameroon in search of a better future. With plans to reside with a family member in Edgewood, they were unexpectedly left without housing when the landlord would not allow their entire family to stay due to occupancy restrictions. Suddenly, without a place to call home, they turned to Harford Community Action Agency (HCAA), which referred them to Harford Family House.
In February 2023, the Nanfack family entered our program and immediately embraced every opportunity placed before them. They attended programming consistently, conducted diligent job searches, and quickly gained employment. Determined to overcome language barriers, they enrolled in classes at Harford Community College to learn English and strengthen their communication skills. Their commitment to growth didn’t stop there—they also earned several healthcare certifications to build long-term career pathways and better support their family.
Months later, Habitat for Humanity visited Harford Family House to share information about their homeownership program. Inspired by the possibility of building a more permanent foundation for their family, the Nanfacks applied. Just a few months later, in February 2024, they received the news of a lifetime—they had been approved for their very own Habitat for Humanity home!
The Nanfacks were soon to begin breaking ground on the construction of their permanent home, a townhouse in Havre de Grace, big enough for each child to have their own bedroom. Habitat’s program requires each recipient to contribute 500 hours of sweat equity—physical labor put into building their home or others in the community. Harford Family House stepped up, eager to help this lovely family once again.
Our staff, board members, and volunteers came together, tools in hand, to help build the Nanfack family’s future home. Our crew spent the day hammering nails, caulking walls, and setting stairs—piece by piece, creating a safe space for the family to call their own. Together, the HFH Team proudly contributed 70 hours of labor towards the family’s requirements.
The Nanfack family’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and transformation. It reminds us that with dedication and community, you can accomplish anything. We are proud to have played a part in their journey to independence.