We are the first housing organization of our kind in Ohio — and one of only a few in the country — that has received a facility dog from Canine Companions®, which provided Tatum to us free of charge. Facility dogs are expertly trained dogs that partner with a facilitator working in a variety of professional settings. Canine Companions facility dogs can perform over 40 cues designed to motivate and support clients.
A Labrador/Golden Retriever Cross, Tatum provides therapeutic comfort and support to our housing clients and their children, offering anxiety and stress relief, motivation, and unconditional love. She is most commonly present with clients during their initial intake assessments, when stress levels are at their peak.
Tatum has two handlers at our office, and one is always present with her during interactions with our clients and their children. Our facility dog program operates within our existing organizational structure and does not divert critical (grant-funded) rental assistance funds away from clients or any of our other existing programs that provide vital assistance to families and youth in need.
Tatum adds an extraordinary trauma-informed care element to our array of client-centric services, in which we strive to better comfort vulnerable clients and their families experiencing housing trauma, evictions, and literal homeless - some of which are the most challenging and stress-filled moments of their life.
Tatum in the News
HFF Facility Dog Tatum Featured in NBC4i 6 Story "First facility dog in central Ohio to work with homeless families"
May 16, 2025: Along with partner organization Canine Companions, Home for Families President & CEO Beth-Fetzer Rice talked to NBC4i about how HFF Facility Dog Tatum fits into our mission. To watch or read the piece, please click here.
HFF Facility Dog Tatum Featured in ABC 6 Story "K9 Tatum Offers Comfort and Motivation to Families Facing Housing Crises"
April 28, 2025: In a Good Day Columbus appearance with partner organization Canine Companions, Home for Families President & CEO Beth-Fetzer Rice talked to morning show hosts about the amazing way our Facility Dog, Tatum, assists families and youth challenged with housing crises. To watch or read the piece, please click here.
