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Holiday Reflections and a Transformative Gift

As we enter this season of light, gratitude, and giving, I’m reminded of the tremendous power our community holds when we come together for our most vulnerable neighbors. The holidays can be a difficult time for families experiencing homelessness, but because of supporters like you, they are also a time filled with hope, warmth, and the promise of new beginnings.

This month, we are humbled to share extraordinary news that will deepen our impact in the year ahead. Harford Family House has been selected to receive a significant one-time grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. We are one of only 32 organizations nationwide chosen by an independent advisory group of homelessness experts for our proven commitment to helping families find stability, secure housing, and build brighter futures right here in Harford County.

This investment affirms the hard work of our staff, the resilience of the families we serve, and the strength of a community that believes every child deserves a safe place to call home.

As we celebrate the holidays, we hope you’ll reflect, just as we do, on the transformative impact of generosity. Every act of kindness, every hour volunteered, every donation made extends a lifeline to a parent working toward stability, to a child wishing for a better tomorrow, and to individuals striving to rebuild their lives.

From all of us at Harford Family House, thank you for keeping the spirit of giving alive. Your support ensures that hope shines a little brighter for the families we serve.

Wishing you peace, joy, and a meaningful holiday season.

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Robin Tomechko, CEO

Sandra Osborn, Board Chair

Harford County is, in many ways, a wonderful place to live. Our parks, schools, and strong sense of community make it a place many of us are proud to call home. But for too many of our neighbors, the soaring cost of housing, the struggle to earn a living wage, and the unexpected challenges life brings make homelessness an ever-present reality.

At Harford Family House, we are deeply aware of how homelessness affects every member of a household, but especially children. Over the past 36 years, we’ve helped transform the lives of more than five thousand people, including over 850 families, breaking cycles of poverty and planting seeds of hope. And yet, this issue persists.

Homelessness is not just a personal crisis; it’s a community crisis. It affects economic stability, public safety, education, and overall public health. Whether we see it or not, its impact ripples into classrooms, workplaces, and neighborhoods across Harford County.

Imagine the child who cannot focus in school because they slept on the floor of a cousin’s basement last night. Imagine the teenager frustrated after moving three times in one month, carrying the weight of instability no young person should bear. Imagine the single father who desperately wants to keep his job but has no one to care for his child while he works. Imagine the veteran, who once served our country, now struggling alone in an encampment without access to the mental health services they urgently need.

These are not strangers. These are our neighbors. Their circumstances are often shaped by forces beyond their control, job loss, medical emergencies, family conflict, or simply the high cost of housing that outpaces wages.

Children, in particular, feel the emotional and developmental consequences most intensely. Uncertainty interrupts learning. Instability disrupts friendships. Stress erodes confidence. But when families find safety, stability, and support at Harford Family House, everything begins to change. Parents can focus on employment. Children can return to routines and classrooms. Families can rebuild, not just for today, but for generations to come.

This holiday season, as we reflect on what it means to care for our community, we invite you to remember the families who are still searching for a safe place to call home. Together, we can ensure that every child in Harford County has the chance to grow, learn, and thrive, no matter what their starting point.

Because when we lift our most vulnerable neighbors, we strengthen our entire community.

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paul Beaulieu, Director of Marketing & Communications
410-273-6700
pbeaulieu@harfordfamilyhouse.org

Harford Family House to Expand Support for Harford County Families Experiencing Homelessness with $1.25 Million Grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos

32 organizations across the U.S. receive a total of $102.5 million from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to connect families with housing and hope

Aberdeen, MD – (December 3, 2025): Harford Family House, the county’s largest provider of shelter and support services for families in Harford County who are experiencing homelessness, today announced that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are recognizing the organization with a $1.25 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. This investment is the largest gift in the nonprofit’s history. Harford Family House is part of the eighth annual cohort of organizations across the country receiving funding from the Day 1 Families Fund to deepen their work to help every family have a safe, stable place to call home. 

“This funding could not have come at a better time,” said Robin Tomechko, CEO of Harford Family House. “This grant positions us to expand critical support for unhoused families. With this investment and the continued backing of our community, we can turn our vision into a reality. We are honored to be a part of this cohort of organizations working to change lives for families in need.” 

Harford Family House will use its Day 1 Families Fund grant to serve even more families experiencing homelessness in Harford County with the goal of ensuring no child in our community sleeps outside. Specifically, Harford Family House plans to use this one-time grant over the next five years to support 16 families each year who are in need of emergency shelter.  Additionally, Harford Family House will work with our partners, including the Harford County Public Schools, to identify and provide support to families living in hotels or other temporary accommodations, helping them move on to more permanent housing situations.

Harford Family House was identified to receive this grant by a group of national advisors who are leading advocates and bring expertise on homelessness, housing policy and effective approaches and solutions to family homelessness.

“We are excited that our team’s work is being recognized through this transformational grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund,” said Sandra Osborn, Harford Family House Board Chair. “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. Addressing the urgent needs of unhoused families in Harford County requires all of us working together. This funding is a leap in the right direction, and continued community contributions of any size will keep us moving toward our ambitious goals.” 

Since its inception in 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund has awarded 280 grants totaling more than $850 million to organizations serving families in all 50 states. The Day 1 Families Fund grant recipients have tremendous flexibility to use the funds in the ways that are most impactful in their communities, making the grant a game-changer for organizations on the frontlines of the family homelessness crisis. Recipients will use their funds to support families experiencing homelessness to access critical services, regain stable housing and achieve well-being.

This year, the Fund issued a total of $102.5million in grants to 32 organizations. The full list of awardees is available at https://bezosdayonefund.org/day1familiesfund. Case studies of the impact selected grantees have made with their funds are available at https://www.bezosdayonefund.org/case-studies.

About Harford Family House

Harford Family House (HFH) has been providing housing, support, and resources to families and individuals experiencing homelessness since 1989. HFH has grown to be the largest provider of shelter and support in Harford County and includes Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing and affordable housing. Over the years, HFH has helped more than 2,500 individuals and more than 850 families, thanks to dedicated board members, professional staff, volunteers, churches, civic agencies, donors, business leaders, and others in our community.

About the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund

Through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos issue annual leadership awards to organizations doing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/Day1FamiliesFund.

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As we enter this season of thankfulness, I’m reminded every day how truly blessed we are to have a community that stands beside Harford Family House and the families we serve. The holiday season brings with it a unique spirit of generosity and compassion. Values that shine brightly through the support we receive from each of you.

This month, as we gather around our own tables to give thanks, our team is also busy preparing for several special celebrations for the families in our programs. One of our favorites is the Kids’ Santa Shop, where the children we serve can pick out and wrap gifts for their parents. This simple act allows them to experience the joy of giving, a powerful reminder that everyone, no matter their age or circumstance, has something special to offer.

We’re also looking forward to our Resident Christmas Party, a cherished tradition that brings together families, staff, community partners, and volunteers to celebrate the season in warmth and community. It’s a day filled with laughter, hope, and love. Moments that reflect the very heart of our mission: to help families and individuals build stability and find their way home.

As we move through this season of gratitude, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, our friends, donors, volunteers, and community partners, who make all of this possible. Your generosity doesn’t just provide shelter; it provides dignity, opportunity, and hope for a brighter future.

From all of us at Harford Family House, thank you for helping us make the holidays, and every day a little brighter for those in need.

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Robin Tomechko, CEO

Sandra Osborn, Board Chair

When Greg first arrived at Harford Family House, he carried with him a deep hope of bringing his family back together.

After losing custody of his two daughters while struggling with addiction, Greg made the brave decision to enter sober living and begin rebuilding his life. During their time apart, his daughters were placed in separate foster homes. During this time, the youngest was diagnosed with nonverbal autism and ADHD, and the oldest also received an ADHD diagnosis. Despite the challenges, Greg remained steadfast in his goal to reunite his family.

Once he achieved sobriety, Greg began working tirelessly to regain custody of his daughters. His efforts were unsuccessful at first because he did not have a permanent home. That changed in November of last year when Greg moved into Harford Family House and joined our Transitional Housing Program. Within just a few weeks, and right before Christmas, he received the joyful news that his daughters were coming home.

Since their reunion, Greg and his girls have flourished. His youngest daughter has now gained the ability to speak and participates in both onsite and community programs tailored to her needs. Both girls receive weekly visits from volunteers with expertise in special needs education who provide one-on-one academic support. One of Greg’s proudest moments came recently when his youngest daughter learned how to ride a bike.

Greg has become a friendly and welcoming presence in the Harford Family House community. He goes out of his way to greet new families, offer encouragement, and share his experiences. The girls have also formed close friendships with another family in the program, spending their afternoons playing on the playground and their mornings doing each other’s hair before school.

Today, Greg is thriving as a tattoo artist and has found a unique way to pay it forward. He specializes in covering scars with meaningful designs to “help others on their healing journey.” Through his artistry, he continues to extend the same compassion and hope that have helped him rebuild his own life.

Reflecting on the changes he has seen in his daughters, Greg said, “It’s amazing! I love how many things they get to do now.”

Through faith, determination, and the compassion of our supporters, Greg and his daughters are thriving and looking forward to a future together filled with hope.

For more than 15 years, members of Mountain Christian Church have been a steady presence at Harford Family House, serving meals, offering kindness, and sharing joy with the residents of the HFH Emergency Shelter. Their partnership dates back to the early days of the shelter, when volunteers from Mountain helped with transportation by driving the bus and shuttle.

Meal service quickly became the heart of Mountain’s ministry at Harford Family House. “Food is a great way to connect with people,” Pat Wachter shared. “At the time I was working, and lunch was something I could do. I’m very blessed, and this was a small way to serve.”

Over the years, the team has not only cooked and served meals but also painted apartments and helped create a welcoming environment for residents. “All the dinner groups bring a spirit of joy and the desire to make that moment special for each resident,” she said. “Our group is dedicated to serving dinners once a month—and now we’re picking up another night to serve our brothers and sisters at the adult shelter.”

Some of the most meaningful moments come from simple, genuine connections. “Not too long ago, my husband and I were cooking dinner, and I was goofing around with one of the residents,” she remembered. “It was so nice to banter back and forth. He was respectful, and I had so much fun.”

What keeps them coming back month after month is the gratitude and community they experience in the kitchen. “The residents are so grateful we come. They know we have other places to be, yet we choose to be here. Circumstances that brought them to this place in life are laid down at dinner—we’re cooking for family.”

For Mountain Christian Church, service is more than a volunteer opportunity—it’s a calling.

“As children of God, we are asked and expected to love God, love people, and serve the world,” she said. “The program at Harford Family House Emergency Shelter is doing great things for adults who are less fortunate than me. I’ve seen it firsthand and believe in that mission.”

With renewed energy and new volunteers stepping forward, Mountain Christian Church continues to embody faith in action—one meal, one smile, and one act of love at a time.

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.