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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.

  • 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.

Determined to Rise: Tiffany's Story

Home for Families former client Tiffany

When Tiffany lost her contract job with a large company, she became determined to do whatever it took to launch herself into a more stable career. 

The single mother of three had dropped out of college when she became pregnant with twins, and divorce made it even harder to regain financial stability. She knew she wanted to get into the technology field, but attending and paying for classes without a steady income while also managing her household seemed impossible. 

Tiffany participated in two cohorts of Home for Families’ Resiliency Bridge program. While she attended classes, Home for Families paid her rent and also helped her purchase a new vehicle when she was having issues with her car. 

“I couldn’t have asked for a better support system,” she said. 

This past spring, Tiffany earned her certification in software development. She plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the technology field. With a certification in hand, Tiffany’s earning potential is greater than it ever has been. 

“Sometimes, when you’re in survival mode, you can get stuck in a cycle,” she said. “I don’t have to continue to loop. I feel like I broke it.”

  • 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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