Empowering Families Since 1986
This year marks 40 years of remarkable evolution and impact! Join us for a year of celebration and special events that honor our history and fuel our future including our:
- Strong Like a Mother 5K - Mother’s Day race
- World Homeless Day - Community Open House
- Fundraising goal - 40 families from shelter to housing by July 21 (our anniversary)
Celebrate. Engage. Participate. Be part of this milestone year with us as we build brighter futures for Central Ohio families together.
In honor of our 40th anniversary, we aim to fund the transition of 40 families from shelter into stable housing by July 21 (the date we were founded). Every $13,000 raised provides the means for 1 family to move into stable housing.
Because after all, housing is for all of us.
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Volunteers make our work possible. Learn more about recurring and seasonal opportunities for groups and individuals.
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With family shelter stays at record highs, the need for our programming has never been greater. Learn more about the services we provide.
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July 21st, 1986: Laying the Foundation
Teresa Dowd, Jan Wagner, and Mary Jane Carpenter found The Homeless Families Foundation.
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1991: First Summer Camp
The first children’s summer camp starts for kids of families experiencing housing insecurity.
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1993: A Home for Learning
HFF purchases the Children’s Education Center building on Grubb Street.
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1998: A Leader’s Legacy
Teresa Dowd retires as president of HFF.
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2006: Opening Doors
HFF expands to 46 emergency shelter units.
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2010: Partnering for Families
HFF joins forces with the Community Shelter Board to begin rapid re-housing pilot programs.
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2011: Record Impact
A record 240 families are served by HFF in one year.
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2013: Starting Strong
HFF begins its SPARK kindergarten readiness programming.
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2016: Leading the Way
Current President & CEO, Beth Fetzer-Rice joins HFF.
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2019: Expanding our Reach
HFF expands to 3 new housing programs and serves 265 families.
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2020: Strong Response to Crisis
The global pandemic increases HFF funding from $2.5 million to nearly $12 million.
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2021: New Beginnings
The Homeless Families Foundation changes its name and begins doing business as Home for Families.
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2023: Moving Forward
Home for Families sells its Grubb Street location and moves operations to 727 E. Main St.
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2024: Companion for Care
Home for Families receives a Facility Dog from Canine Companions.
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2025: A Growing Community Presence
HFF establishes itself as a primary service provider at two local affordable housing properties.
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2026: A Year to Remember
2026 marks HFF’s 40th year serving Columbus area families and youth experiencing housing crises.
Our Stories
Tiffany's participation in our Resiliency Bridge program helped her escape contract jobs and regain financial stability for her and her children.
With support from Home for Families, new mom Skyla secured stable housing and the resources she needed to thrive. Just one year later, she celebrated her daughter’s first birthday and her own college graduation—earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology.
After a devastating car accident left Fred without work and facing housing instability, the Resiliency Bridge program provided the critical support he needed to heal, rebuild, and launch a new career.
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Wonderful org serving our most vulnerable population with dignity. - Selena B., community member
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Thank you, HFF, for all the hard work you do for our community - Natalie C., supporter
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Amazing organization. - Lindsay B., supporter
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HFF is an incredible organization whose work is more vital than ever. - Michelle M., longtime supporter, former board member
