A successful program run by Home for Families that combines affordable housing, workforce development, and support services to help individuals enter high-demand, well-paying career fields will disappear at the end of September without additional funding.
Home for Families issues a statement on the recent Executive Order on homelessness.
Check out what our Summer Achievers have been up to so far, and learn more about how you can help Columbus-area students start school right by supporting our Back to School Supply Drive!
As we continue to monitor the ever-changing political and funding landscapes, we have already fielded a variety of inquiries from our community. Below are some candid responses to frequently asked questions about the impact that the Administration's proposed budget, among other changes, could have on the future of our programs and services.
Hear about how one of our young supporters recently shined a light on our mission in an incredible way. Also, make sure to take our swag poll!
In this May update, we share details about the extension of our Mother's Day Match campaign, as well as a client success story and news about press that our Facility Dog, Tatum, recently received!
Read all about our Pop-Up Raffle that gives you a chance to snag front-row seats to see Queen Bey! PLUS, get an update on our afterschool program happenings and a sneak peek at an amazing opportunity coming in May to make a real difference in the lives of Columbus-area families and youth!
Home for Families, a Columbus nonprofit, has introduced Tatum, Ohio’s first facility dog for families experiencing homelessness. Trained by Canine Companions, Tatum provides therapeutic comfort, reduces stress, and helps clients and staff navigate the challenges of housing instability.
Resiliency Bridge is a groundbreaking program in Central Ohio that combines affordable housing, workforce development, and support services to help individuals escape poverty through high-demand careers. In its first year, the program exceeded its goals, with participants increasing their earnings tenfold and securing stable employment, proving that access to housing is key to economic mobility and workforce success.
Check out our newest blog post to learn more about exciting new happenings! Read about an incredible success story from one of our clients and learn easy and effective ways to support our mission in the coming months!
Check out our newest blog post to learn more about exciting new happenings! Learn more about the impact YOU made in 2024 as well as easy and effective ways to support our mission in the coming months!
Check out our newest blog post to learn more about exciting new happenings! Learn more about the impact YOU made in supporting our families over the holiday season as well as easy and effective ways to support our mission in the coming months!
Get the latest updates from HFF for the month of December!
Get the latest updates from HFF for the month of November!
We can't wait to share the special event we have planned for next month -- and it's FREE!
Home for Families recently moved from its longtime spot at 33 N. Grubb St. to a new location at 727 E. Main St. Read to learn more about how the change will reinforce our commitment to empowering Franklin County families.
Harm Reduction Training Guide, provided by Start Your Recovery (StartYourRecovery.org)
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is offering new incentives to landlords willing to rent to tenants using housing choice vouchers. If you are a property owner or know someone who is, we urge you to make them aware of the new Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and its benefits.
Senate leaders just added an amendment into the state budget that would have a devastating impact on Ohio’s affordable housing stock. HFF has joined local housing agencies in signing a formal letter of opposition to this dangerous proposal; you can help by contacting your local representatives.
The Homeless Families Foundation (HFF) is honored to be among the 18 Columbus-area nonprofits receiving "Gifts of Kindness" grants from The Columbus Foundation.
Joe Blundo recently interviewed Beth Fetzer-Rice, Executive Director of The Homeless Families Foundation, about how grants help nonprofits that aid Ohioans teetering on edge of homelessness.
Short interview with Executive Director Beth Fetzer-Rice.
Local news media have been sharing this information all day. This is the article posted by ABC6 Columbus today.
The Homeless Families Foundation, a leading provider of programs and services for families, children and transitional age youth experiencing homelessness in Columbus, Ohio, today announced that it has been selected to received a $1.25 million grant from the Day 1 Families Fund.
Kiwanis Club of Columbus and the Renovation
The Kiwanis Club of Columbus recently made a grant to help The Homeless Families Foundation's renovation of 33 North Grubb Street. The renovation is improving meeting, classroom, food pantry, and storage space, while adding offices for the new Beyond Housing and Healthy Beginnings at Home programs. The renovation is currently underway and will be finished this fall. We truly appreciate the support we have received from The Kiwanis Club of Columbus.
HOMELESS FAMILIES FOUNDATION HOSTS HOPE TAKES FLIGHT BENEFIT
This October, don’t miss your opportunity to get the chance to win the trip of a lifetime while supporting a very worthy cause. The Homeless Families Foundation (HFF), a Columbus-based organization that serves children and their families living in poverty, is hosting its premier Hope Takes Flight fundraising event. This unique, first-of-its-kind fundraiser, with presenting sponsor Nationwide, is a “suitcase event” – where guests actually pack a suitcase to be ready to fly away that evening to New York City if they win the grand prize NetJets Experience Raffle.
The Hope Takes Flight event will take place on October 6, 2017, at the Signature Flight Support private hangar at John Glenn International Airport located at 4130 E. 5th Ave. in Columbus. The evening will also feature a NYC-inspired menu by Cameron Mitchell, a craft beer “flight school,” live music by 80’s cover band No Regrets, and a five-star silent auction.
“Proceeds from this unique first-of-its kind Hope Takes Flight event support the programs so urgently needed by homeless and at risk children and their families,” said Beth Fetzer-Rice, Executive Director, of The Homeless Families Foundation. “The Homeless Families Foundation relies on the support of Columbus’ corporate leaders and we are excited and grateful for all who are joining in our efforts to eliminate family homelessness in our community.”
Raffle winners will be whisked away on one of NetJets premier jets to New York City and experience accommodations at a chic five-star hotel, chauffeured transportation between airport and hotel, breakfast, dinner for two Saturday evening and tickets to Broadway’s hottest show, HAMILTON. Guests will return to Columbus in a private jet at the end of this fabulous trip.
Other sponsors of the Hope Takes Flight event include NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Signature, American Electric Power, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Copper Run Capital, Hexion, Aarons, Shumaker, Loop & Kindrick, LLP, Edelman Financial Services of Columbus, Goodale Auto-Truck Parts Co., Gentle Dentist, Above Sound, Cameron Mitchell, Event Source, North High Brewery, LandGrant, Watershed Distillery, G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc., AllPro Parking, Lamar Advertising and Sunny95.
Tickets to the Hope Takes Flight event are on sale now. A First-Class ticket is $150 and includes an open bar. A Jetsetter ticket is $100 with cash bar. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $75 each or three for $200. The holder of the winning ticket must be present to win the raffle grand prize.
The event includes a live auction for tailgating, a parking pass and four tickets to OSU vs. Penn State on October 28. Available silent auction items include a flight safety simulator ride, HFF Kids Art, a catered party for 30 with Chef Jason Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets suite and parking pass, Mohican Lodge and Snow Trails package, 2018 Memorial Tournament passes for two, golf for four at Worthington Hills Country Club and a Henri Bendel bag and gift set.
Ridge Runner Ramble 2016
This year's Ridge Runner Ramble was on Saturday, July 16th and it turned out to be a beautiful day for a ride in the country. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits partnered with The Homeless Families Foundation again this year to bring cyclists together to end homelessness. Over 350 cyclists enjoyed the beautiful weather, well-stocked rest stops, and of course the White Castle meals at the end of the ride and Sunny 95's offering of Cheryl's cookies.
We truly appreciate all of the support we received from Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Grange Insurance, All Saints Episcopal Church, Sunny 95 and White Castle.
As a special treat this year Jeff Johnson of JL Johnson Photography captured the event in pictures. All of the images are free to download and are sized for sharing on social media. To see the pictures from this year's Ridge Rumble Ramble log into http://www.jljohnsonphotography.com/2106-Ridge-Runner-Ramble.
4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
THE HOMELESS FAMILIES FOUNDATION EARNS
COVETED 4-STAR RATING FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR
The Homeless Families Foundation’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. On June 1, 2016, we upgraded our methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with CN 2.1. These enhancements further substantiates the financial health of our four star charities.
“The Homeless Families Foundation’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds The Homeless Families Foundation (HFF) to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support The Homeless Families Foundation.”
“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to educate and nurture children while empowering families to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency” said Adrienne Corbett, HFF Executive Director. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator provides the public with confidence in our organization by acknowledging our good governance and financial accountability.”
The Homeless Families Foundation rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org. More-detailed information about HFF’s rating is available to Charity Navigator site visitors who become registered users, another free service.
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501 (c) (3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America's charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.
The Harvard Family Research Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education reinforces the importance of these family events, “The evidence is clear: Family involvement helps children get ready to enter school, promotes their school success and prepares youth for college.”
The Homeless Families Foundation is a nonprofit organization and is registered with the BBB of Central Ohio. We participate in the BBB Accredited Charity Seal program, which indicates that we meet all 20 of the Standards of Charity Accountability and are noted as an Accredited Charity. The 20 Standards evaluate a charity’s financial accountability, governance and oversight, effectiveness measures, and fundraising and informational materials. The HFF BBB Wise Giving Report can be found at http://www.bbb.org/centralohio/Charity-Reviews/charity-local/the-homeless-families-foundation-in-columbus-oh-11225/print.
Charity Navigator Rating
The Homeless Families Foundation works to make sure the gifts we receive serve the children and families we serve. We recently received an unexpected gift and when asked, the new donor said he found HFF at Charity Navigators. We were happy to find out that Charity Navigators gave us a 100 out of 100 for Accountability and Transparency.
Charity Navigator is an American independent charity watchdog organization that evaluates charitable organizations in the United States. Its stated goal is "to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace in which givers and the charities they support work in tandem to overcome our nation’s and the world’s most persistent challenges". To find out more follow this link http://www.charitynavigator.org/
United States mayors identified the main causes of homelessness among families with children:
*85 percent (17) cited lack of affordable housing,
*55 percent (11) cited poverty,
*35 percent (7) cited unemployment
*35 percent also cited low-paying jobs.
Additional reasons cited included: family dispute; eviction; domestic violence;mental illness and substance abuse and lack of needed services for both; and, poor social networks.
The Homeless Families Foundation was selected by the Ohio Secretary of State, Jon Husted, to be profiled in his list of Ohio Businesses in December 2015.
