We are the first homelessness / 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 and can perform over 40 cues designed to comfort, support, and inspire clients in a variety of settings.
A Labrador/Golden Retriever Cross, Tatum provides therapeutic comfort and support to HFF clients and their children, offering anxiety and stress relief, comfort, 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, and one is always present with her during interactions with HFF clients and their children. Our facility dog program operates within our existing organizational structure and does not divert critical assistance funding away from clients or any other HFF program.
Tatum adds an extraordinary trauma-informed care element to our array of client-centric services, in which we strive to better reduce the trauma of evictions and severe housing insecurity - some of the most 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.
