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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. 

  • Volunteers make our work possible. Learn more about recurring and seasonal opportunities for groups and individuals.

    Take a look.

  • Help celebrate our 40th anniversary by harnessing the power of your community. Hosting a third-party fundraiser can be a fun and meaningful way to make a major impact on behalf of families challenged with housing insecurity.

    See how.

  • With family shelter stays at record highs, the need for our programming has never been greater. Learn more about the services we provide.

    Learn more.

  • July 21st, 1986

    July 21st, 1986: Laying the Foundation

    Teresa Dowd, Jan Wagner, and Mary Jane Carpenter found The Homeless Families Foundation.

  • 1991

    1991: First Summer Camp

    The first children’s summer camp starts for kids of families experiencing housing insecurity.

  • 1993

    1993: A Home for Learning

    HFF purchases the Children’s Education Center building on Grubb Street.

  • 1998

    1998: A Leader’s Legacy

    Teresa Dowd retires as president of HFF.

  • 2006

    2006: Opening Doors

    HFF expands to 46 emergency shelter units.

  • 2010

    2010: Partnering for Families

    HFF joins forces with the Community Shelter Board to begin rapid re-housing pilot programs.

  • 2011

    2011: Record Impact

    A record 240 families are served by HFF in one year.

  • 2013

    2013: Starting Strong

    HFF begins its SPARK kindergarten readiness programming.

  • 2016

    2016: Leading the Way

    Current President & CEO, Beth Fetzer-Rice joins HFF.

  • 2019

    2019: Expanding our Reach

    HFF expands to 3 new housing programs and serves 265 families.

  • 2020

    2020: Strong Response to Crisis

    The global pandemic increases HFF funding from $2.5 million to nearly $12 million.

  • 2021

    2021: New Beginnings

    The Homeless Families Foundation changes its name and begins doing business as Home for Families.

  • 2023

    2023: Moving Forward

    Home for Families sells its Grubb Street location and moves operations to 727 E. Main St.

  • 2024

    2024: Companion for Care

    Home for Families receives a Facility Dog from Canine Companions.

  • 2025

    2025: A Growing Community Presence

    HFF establishes itself as a primary service provider at two local affordable housing properties.

  • 2026

    2026: A Year to Remember

    2026 marks HFF’s 40th year serving Columbus area families and youth experiencing housing crises.

Graduation Day: Skyla’s Story

bySarah Moore
Photo of HFF client Skyla, pictured on her graduation day with her daughter

When new mom Skyla was connected to Home for Families, she was 25, a current college student, and was staying in shelter with her newborn daughter. That's when she began working with her new case manager in our Transitional Age Youth program, which provides housing assistance and programming uniquely designed to meet the needs of young adults.

HFF immediately helped Skyla and her daughter exit shelter and move into one of our Transitional Housing units, with her case manager assisting Skyla and her family in obtaining furniture and essential supplies to make her new unit feel like home. 

With her housing situation now secure, Skyla was able to once again focus on her studies. On May 10, a day after her daughter's 1st birthday, Skyla graduated from her program at Ohio Dominican University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.

As she begins an exciting new chapter in her life, Skyla shared her true appreciation for HFF - “I think this kind of program should be more available for other people,” she said. “No one should be homeless.”

  • Wonderful org serving our most vulnerable population with dignity. - Selena B., community member

  • Thank you, HFF, for all the hard work you do for our community - Natalie C., supporter

  • Amazing organization. - Lindsay B., supporter

  • HFF is an incredible organization whose work is more vital than ever. - Michelle M., longtime supporter, former board member

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