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Coming Together for Homelessness Awareness Month

As the crisp fall air arrives, we look ahead to an essential time of year for Harford Family House, Homelessness Awareness Month in November. This is a time when our community comes together to shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals and families without a safe place to call home.

Throughout the month, we’ll be partnering with local businesses that are hosting in-kind donation drives on our behalf. These collections provide much-needed essentials that help the families and individuals we serve on their journey toward stability and independence. We are deeply grateful to our business partners and to each of you for making this community effort possible.

As we prepare for the season of giving, I encourage you to also look out for our Annual Appeal letter in November. Your generosity through this campaign helps ensure that we can continue to meet the growing needs in our community.

Finally, please mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on December 2, a global day of giving that provides another powerful way for you to support our mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors in need.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support changes lives every day.

With gratitude,

Robin Tomechko, CEO Sandra Osborn, Board Chair

Back-to-School, Back-to-Stability

For many families, the back-to-school season means fresh notebooks, new shoes, and the excitement of a new year of learning. For the families served by Harford Family House, this time of year carries even deeper meaning. It represents hope, stability, and a chance to create a brighter future.

When a child has a safe place to call home, the impact is profound. A stable environment gives them the space to focus on their studies, build friendships, and thrive in the classroom. For parents, knowing their children have the tools they need to succeed brings peace of mind and a renewed sense of purpose as they work toward long-term independence.

At Harford Family House, we see every day how housing, support, and resources transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness. This August, we worked alongside parents to ensure their children are ready for the school year with everything from backpacks and supplies to guidance and encouragement. Each sharpened pencil and each packed lunch are more than just a school necessity; they’re a symbol of stability and a step toward breaking the cycle of homelessness.

As we move into the new school year, we’re reminded that it takes an entire community to make this kind of transformation possible. Your generosity, whether through donations, volunteer hours, or simply spreading the word, helps children walk into their classrooms with confidence and hope.

Together, we are not just preparing kids for school, we’re building foundations for strong futures.

With gratitude and hope,

Robin Tomechko, CEO Sandra Osborn, Board Chair

Expanding Leadership, Expanding Hope

As summer draws to a close and we begin to look toward the promise of fall, we’re filled with a renewed sense of energy, vision, and momentum at Harford Family House. This season has brought with it exciting new developments—none more energizing than the growth of our Board of Directors.

We’re thrilled to welcome four outstanding new board members who bring not only leadership and experience, but also passion for our mission and a deep commitment to strengthening our community. Please join us in welcoming:

• Amber Kackley, CTO, Elite Home Entertainment
• Scott Buckmaster, Senior Director, SAIC
• Mark Freyer, Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, HAR-CO Credit Union
• Kimberly Lentz, Owner, JD Carpets, Inc.

Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective and skill set to our volunteer leadership team. Their expertise—in technology, compliance, risk management, business strategy, and community engagement—will be instrumental as we move into an ambitious new chapter for Harford Family House.

This fall, we continue planning for one of our most significant projects to date: the expansion of our Belcamp Emergency Shelter. For the first time, we will be able to offer emergency shelter to families experiencing homelessness, a critical step forward in our mission to end homelessness in Harford County. The expansion also includes additional space in our women’s dorm, ensuring that more women have a safe and stable place to land as they begin their journey toward independence.

Leadership matters. Fresh ideas matter, and so does your continued involvement. Whether you’re a longtime donor, a new volunteer, a corporate partner, or someone who believes in the power of community, your support fuels every step we take.

Together—with our strengthened board, our dedicated staff, and supporters like you, we are building a future where everyone in our community has a place to call home.

With gratitude and hope,

Robin Tomechko, CEO Sandra Osborn, Board Chair

Volunteer Spotlight: Mt. Zion Baptist Church – A Decade of Service and Love

Every night, volunteer groups from across the community prepare dinner for the residents of Harford Family House’s Belcamp Emergency Shelter. Among these faithful friends, one group has been a steady source of nourishment and encouragement for more than a decade: the Soup Kitchen Ministry from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Aberdeen. Their service goes far beyond food; it’s an expression of compassion, faith, and community.

Karen’s Story: From Idea to Ministry

Over ten years ago, Karen began volunteering at the shelter with friends and family, covering the costs herself. Soon after, she presented the idea to her pastor and church deacons, complete with a proposal and budget. Their enthusiastic approval gave birth to Mt. Zion’s Soup Kitchen Ministry.

Since then, the group has prepared monthly meals at the shelter, sponsored a Harford Family House family for a whole year, and even inspired church ministers and deacons to visit regularly to share encouragement.

For Karen, the most memorable moment wasn’t during a meal service, but when she volunteered as a resident helper. That evening, she learned of a young man graduating from high school without family support. Shelter residents pooled resources to get him what he needed, and Karen gladly contributed.
“That showed me you don’t have to have a lot to show love,” she said. “I will always remember that experience; it changed how I think and feel about humanity.”

Latanya’s Story: Serving Body and Spirit

Latanya first joined the Soup Kitchen Ministry after hearing about it in a church announcement. She loves the opportunity to provide both “natural and spiritual food, basic needs for survival.”

Her favorite moments happen every time she serves: seeing residents smile, hearing their thanks, and sharing small moments of connection.
“We are not just providing meals,” Latanya reflects. “We are introducing God’s love in kind words, gentle smiles, and the sacrifice of time and resources. HFH provides shelter to those in need, and it’s a blessing to partner with them to display love, one meal at a time.”

Tanika’s Story: Living Out God’s Command to “Go”

For Tanika, serving at the shelter is a calling. “God’s last command was for us to GO, and that is what I plan to do until I can no longer do it,” she said.

Each month, she helps prepare a dinner that’s not just delicious but made with love. Her favorite moments come when residents return for seconds—or even thirds—because the food hits the spot.
She believes the mission is simple but powerful: serve the underserved, help the helpless, and always make time to care for one another.

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Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Soup Kitchen Ministry shows us that feeding the hungry is about far more than providing a meal—it’s about building relationships, uplifting spirits, and living out love in action. We are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service to our residents.

  

When Terri Preston retired, she knew she wanted to dedicate part of her time to giving back to the community. She’d long admired Harford Family House’s mission, especially after hearing about it from family friend Bill “Bowtie” White, one of the organization’s founders back when it was known as Holy Family House.

“I wasn’t sure what I would have to offer at first,” Terri admits. “But one of the best things about volunteering with HFH is the variety of opportunities available.”

 She’s not kidding, Terri has done it all. From cleaning and setting up apartments for new clients, organizing the food pantry, and painting offices, to working at fundraising events like AHOY! Cocktails by the Bay, Homeruns for the Homeless, and Hope for Harford’s Homeless Golf Tournament. She’s also pitched in at special events like Trunk or Treat, handed out candy to excited children, and even participated in a Habitat for Humanity build for the Nanfack family.

No matter what the task, Terri approaches it with enthusiasm and heart. “I get great satisfaction from setting up apartments for new clients,” she shares. “This may be the first time in a long time that they’ve had somewhere safe to call home.”

Terri says one of her favorite parts of volunteering is simply being with the HFH staff and fellow volunteers. “Everyone here is emotionally invested in the success of HFH. The staff is always expressing their appreciation for the work done by volunteers, and that means a lot.”

Her takeaway from her time with HFH? “While the need is great and always growing, there is hope as long as there are organizations like HFH working tirelessly every day to assist families and individuals experiencing homelessness.”

And hope is exactly what Terri helps bring—over 100 hours of it this year alone! Through Bank of America’s volunteer grant program, her service hours have resulted in $1,000 in donations to HFH in 2025.

It’s no surprise she won the MVP Award at our Volunteer Breakfast. As we shared then:

“Terri Preston… is a rock star. She comes in every Tuesday ready to dive into her assignment, often with a bag of items she found at her local Ollie’s that were on our Wishlist. Terri always goes the extra mile and never lets a project go unfinished. No task is too big for her—just so long as she gets it done before she gets hungry! Her warm heart and witty remarks brighten the days of everyone she encounters.”

Terri’s dedication, humor, and compassion truly embody the spirit of Harford Family House. We’re grateful to have her as part of our HFH family.

  

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.

Summer Is No Time to Slow Down

While many people view summer as a time to slow down, take vacations, and relax, at Harford Family House, this season is one of the busiest times of year. Behind every family and individual we serve is a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners working tirelessly to keep our programs running smoothly, rain or shine, season after season.

Summer might look different around here than it does elsewhere, but it’s no less important. In fact, it’s a time when critical groundwork is laid for the months ahead.

Here’s an inside look at how our team keeps everything moving forward during these summer months:

1. Staff Stepping Up in Every Role

Our case managers, shelter coordinators, and program staff remain laser-focused on helping clients move toward independence. From conducting intakes and housing searches to providing job readiness support and life skills workshops, their work never stops.

Summer also brings unique opportunities for staff to focus on long-term goals with families—such as budgeting, employment advancement, and educational plans—while children are out of school and schedules are more flexible.

2. Volunteers Filling Critical Gaps

Volunteers are at the heart of Harford Family House, and summer is no exception. Whether they’re tackling facility projects, organizing donations, or helping with administrative tasks, volunteers allow our staff to focus on what matters most: direct client care.

This time of year, many youth groups, churches, and corporate teams lend a hand, bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to our work.

3. Operations and Facilities in Full Swing

Keeping our shelters safe and welcoming takes constant attention. Summer is the perfect time for deep cleaning, repairs, and upgrade projects that require careful coordination and resources.

From repainting walls to refreshing common areas, our team works behind the scenes to ensure every space feels like home for the families we serve.

4. Planning for the Future

While we’re meeting today’s needs, our leadership team is also hard at work planning for upcoming seasons. Summer is when much of the strategy happens—grant writing, preparing for fundraising events, and evaluating programs to maximize their impact in the fall and beyond.

5. Community Partnerships in Action

Many local businesses and organizations step up during the summer to host donation drives, sponsor programs, and offer services. These partnerships make a significant difference, providing a range of essential services, from hygiene supplies to job training opportunities.

The Work Doesn’t Stop—And Neither Does Hope

Every family and individual that walks through our doors is working toward their fresh start, and every staff member, volunteer, and supporter plays a vital role in that journey.

Summer might bring sunshine and slower schedules elsewhere, but here at Harford Family House, it’s a season of growth, renewal, and determination.

Thank you for standing with us—and making it all possible.

From Fireworks to Fresh Starts: The Deeper Meaning of Independence

As we gather this month to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and time spent with loved ones, we are reminded of the profound meaning behind the concept of independence. It’s a value that runs through the heart of our nation’s story, and it’s also at the very core of the work we do here at Harford Family House.

Independence isn’t just about freedom from outside rule; it’s about the ability to stand on your own, to build a stable future, and to pursue your goals with dignity and hope. For the families and individuals we serve, independence often means something very tangible:

• A safe place to sleep each night.
• The ability to work and provide for their children.
• Freedom from the fear and uncertainty of homelessness.

Through our programs, whether it’s emergency shelter, transitional housing for families and young adults aging out of foster care, permanent supportive housing, or resources for those rebuilding after personal hardships, we walk alongside our clients as they work toward that powerful goal of self-sufficiency. Every success story we see is a reminder that independence is not just an ideal, it’s a reality that can be achieved.

This July, as we celebrate our country’s freedom, we also celebrate the determination and resilience of our clients. Your support helps make their journey toward independence possible, and we’re so grateful for this community’s unwavering commitment.

Thank you for standing with us—and with them.

Hope you had a safe, meaningful, and joyful Independence Day!

Robin Tomechko, CEO

Sandra Osborn, Board Chair

Volunteers are Our Stars

Briefly tell us how you became involved with HFH.

For many years, I have felt God calling me to volunteer with people who are homeless.  I met Ann Cox at church, and she mentioned she worked at Harford Family House, which led me to believe this was God giving me my opportunity.

In what ways have you been engaged?

Twice a month, I come to lead a small group Bible discussion or speak to people and pray with them, offering biblical encouragement.

Where do you feel you have made the most impact?

 I have led many people to put their faith in Jesus, enabling them to experience joy and peace on earth and to be assured of everlasting life in Heaven.  I have also provided sound advice to help steer their ship in a different direction and offer hope that they might not have had if I had not volunteered.

Can you share a favorite moment, event, or experience?

Many of the residents are brilliant Bible scholars and highly educated people.  One person was getting back on his feet, and he showed me his Bible, which was covered with highlighting and handwritten notes. He said he read the Bible every day for four hours. Something I appreciated is that when I ask for prayer requests, so many of them pray for themselves last and put the needs of other residents before their own.

What is one takeaway from your experiences?

Not to stereotype these individuals because each of them is unique and created in God’s image and has the exact wants and desires as everyone else. Each of them is a resident for different reasons and is just waiting for the right opportunity to get their lives back on track.

Why is the mission of Harford Family House important to you? 

It is evident that the staff members show compassion and interest in each of the residents.  It is a structured environment, and residents have access to resources that will facilitate their process of realizing independence. I am so happy to hear about the expansion of the Harford Family House Emergency Shelter expansion project for families. 

We are deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of volunteers like you, Sean, who give their time, energy, and compassion to support our mission. Your impact reaches far beyond the tasks you complete—you bring hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those we serve. Thank you for being an essential part of the Harford Family House family.

Dear Friends,

As the school year comes to a close, many families in Harford County are celebrating milestones, graduations, and the joys of summer. But for far too many children in our community, the end of the school year doesn’t bring relief, but uncertainty.

This year alone, 716 students in Harford County were identified as experiencing homelessness (HCPS). That’s a staggering 33% increase from last year. Behind that number are children sleeping in cars, on couches, or in crowded shelters, not knowing where they’ll lay their heads tomorrow.

These children are not just statistics. They are students trying to focus on their schoolwork while carrying burdens that no child should have to bear. At Harford Family House, we believe every child deserves the stability of a safe home, the security of a warm bed, and the opportunity to grow and thrive.

That’s why we are more committed than ever to expanding our services for families. We’re increasing emergency shelter capacity, adding resources tailored to children’s wellbeing, and working hand-in-hand with schools and local agencies to respond faster and more effectively to family homelessness.

But we cannot do this alone. It takes a community: YOUR community, to ensure that no child in Harford County is left behind.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can bring hope, stability, and a brighter future to the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community.

Sincerely,

Robin Tomechko, CEO

Frank Kellner, Board Chair

A Look at Homelessness in Harford County

As June arrives, families throughout Harford County are packing suitcases, planning road trips, and enrolling their kids in summer camps. School is out, the weather is warm, and for many, it’s a time of freedom and fun.

But for hundreds of children and families in our community, summer looks very different.

This past school year, 716 students in Harford County were identified as experiencing homelessness (HCPS). That’s a 33% increase from last year. When the final bell rings, these children don’t head off to summer adventures. Instead, they face long, uncertain days without the safety net that school provides, no school lunches, no aftercare, no routine, and often, no home.

At Harford Family House, we know that homelessness doesn’t take a summer vacation. In fact, the warmer months often bring additional challenges:

• Childcare gaps: Without school, working parents who are already struggling must find safe places for their children during the day.
• Heat and health concerns: Living in cars, tents, or crowded shelters can become dangerous as temperatures rise.
• Invisibility: Family homelessness often goes unnoticed in the summer, as many families are “couch surfing” or temporarily staying with others, living in the shadows of the community.

While many families are making summer memories, others are simply trying to make it through the day.

This summer, Harford Family House is stepping up. We are expanding our emergency shelter space, enhancing support programs for children and youth, and working to ensure no family is turned away when they need help the most.

But we can’t do it alone. You can make a difference. Whether by donating, volunteering, or sharing our mission with your network. Every action counts. Every child matters.

Let’s make this a summer of hope for every family in Harford County. Because all children deserve more than survival—they deserve stability, safety, and the chance to be kids.

Join us this summer in making that possible.

As we step into May, we are reminded of the beauty of renewal and growth. With spring in full bloom, this is a time of fresh starts and brighter days—a sentiment that perfectly reflects the mission of Harford Family House.

Every day, we witness families who are courageously embracing new beginnings. Our team works tirelessly to provide the support, resources, and safe housing they need to rebuild their lives and secure lasting stability. This month, we continue to focus on our mission, providing hope and a helping hand to those who need it most.

May is also a time for community, and we are grateful for the unwavering support we receive from our dedicated partners, volunteers, and donors. Your generosity allows families in our community to find not just shelter but a pathway to a brighter future. Thank you for standing with us.

We invite you to stay connected with us in the coming weeks as we share inspiring stories of resilience and provide opportunities to make a lasting impact. Whether you choose to volunteer, attend one of our events, or share our mission with others, you are a vital part of our family.

Thank you for your continued support.

With gratitude,

Robin Tomechko, CEO

Frank Kellner, Board Chair