It’s Bigger Than Us: Investing in the Future of Our Community
Harford Family House, the largest provider of housing for families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Harford County, is inviting the community to get involved during November’s Homelessness Awareness Month.
The month’s theme is It’s Bigger Than Us: Investing in the Future of Our Community and is marked by a wide array of opportunities for individuals, families, businesses, churches, schools, and artists to help raise awareness, funds and supplies for the organization that served 39 families, including 81 children, and 360 individuals, including 27 veterans, between its HFH Family Shelter and HFH Welcome One Shelter for the 2023 fiscal year. Homelessness is one of the most consequential social issues that can affect a community, with economic, safety, and public health implications wherever homelessness is present.
All month long, the community is encouraged to participate in Harford Family House’s art contest which welcomes all non-political interpretations of the theme of homelessness in any medium. Harford Family House staff will select the top three winners who will receive prizes and recognition in their monthly newsletter and social media pages.
In addition, Harford Family House is asking the community to host donation drives to help with the supplies needed to operate its two shelter locations in Belcamp and Aberdeen. The organization will host a “Donation Drop Off Day” at its Family Shelter in Aberdeen on Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Giving, on November 28th. Those who hosted a donation drive during the month of November are encouraged to drop off donations on this day anytime between 12pm-4pm to enjoy refreshments and mingle with Harford Family House staff.
The local restaurant community has come together to host dine-in and take-out fundraisers throughout the month to benefit Harford Family House as well:
November 1-30: Coffee Coffee (Bel Air)
November 1, 11am-10pm: Basta Pasta Italian Kitchen (Fallston)
November 2, 11am-8pm: Enotria Restaurant & Grill (Forest Hill)
November 8, 5pm-10pm: MaGerk’s Pub & Grill (Bel Air)
November 14: 11am-8pm: Sweet Greek Grill (Fallston)
November 15, 4pm-9pm: Mucho Gusto (Bel Air)
November 28, 11:30am-10:30pm: All-American Steakhouse (Aberdeen)
“We are so grateful for the interest our local faith-based, business, and school communities have shown in participating in Homelessness Awareness Month. We couldn’t do the work of helping our residents get on their feet and on the path to independent, long-term housing without the help of our most dedicated supporters, as well as those who have recently learned about us and are just starting to get involved. It is bigger than any one of us, but it’s not bigger than all of us together!” says Harford Family House CEO, Robin Tomechko.
Harford Family House is also asking the community to wear purple for homelessness awareness and send a photo for the organization to share on November 15th.
Anyone interested in learning more about the art contest, donation drive, or each event can reach out to Vashelle Nino at [email protected] or visit the Events page on their website at www.harfordfamilyhouse.org/events/
About Harford Family House (http://www.harfordfamilyhouse.org/)
Harford Family House, Inc. assists families and individuals experiencing homelessness achieve independence through housing, support and resources dedicated to improving their financial stability and mental well-being. It was established in 1989 and is the largest organization in Harford County providing services to those in Harford County who are experiencing homelessness. www.harfordfamilyhouse.org.