Happy Holidays...

Once again our "Holiday Store" was a fantastic success. Thanks to the continued support of our community and several donated volunteer hours we were able to help over 60 families, 200 children have a wonderful holiday. We want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and thank you for your support.

Holiday Shopping

The Holiday Store looks fantastic! Our families started shopping today. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who year after year are here to help and support us. We could not do it without you!

Happy Holidays

We have had several volunteers here this week to help with setting up the Holiday Store...We have also received truck loads of toys! This is such an exciting time of year and we truly appreciate the support we receive from the community...

Happy Holidays...

Family Letter

Before March of 2008 many were suffering layoffs and complaining about the economy. When it hit home everthing moved in slow motion. Hundreds were applying for the same 4 positions being interviewed in groups of 30 or more, then the same fade happened to the mother of my children. I can't speak for her , but I feel she just couldn't handle the situation.

Before you knew it, it was just me and my 3 children trying not to drown. The $789.00 a month rent, $300.00 a month car payment, killer gas bill, etc. were just too much. After a year and many months I decided to take me and my children into a family shelter. I really didn't want to submit my name into the OJFS System, but I was at the end of my rope.

We made the best of a bad situation, my children had a lot of fun and met a lot of new friends. HFF was very considerate and helpful, I wasn't in need of a lot but C. Brewer made me feel comfortable about coming in to her if I needed any assistance of any kind. The Dowd Center made it easier because this program really helped out with the children's homework, other after school programs, sent my children home at 6:00pm with homework not being touched, so the Dowd Center crossed 3 items off my chore list. I'm seriously considering attending the Ohio State Barber College. The job market is still competitive. I would, we would like to thank HFF for their support.

Insurance Professionals of Columbus, Ohio

“It’s for the kids” was the theme of the live and silent auction sponsored by the Insurance Professionals of Columbus Ohio’s December meeting. Brian Fry of Grange reminded the group often as he worked the room to increase bidding on cleverly disguised live auction items. At the end of the evening, $1,100 was raised for Homeless Families Foundation by this generous and fun loving group of professionals.

Time Warner Cable

Adrienne Corbett, Executive Director and Karie Gallegos, Resident Support Manager went to Time Warner Cable on Wednesday, December 2nd for lunch and to be presented with tons of toys. The toys will be used in our Holiday Store. Each of the members of the committee are given a set amount of money to spend, they then go shopping for bagains. The toys are then used in our Holiday Store for our parents. What a wonderful day it was. Thanks Time Warner!

Christmas Trees

Battelle's employees and family memebers came to the shelter on Tuesday, December 1st to deliver Christmas trees to all our families. They brought new lights, decorations and candy canes. They also supplied dinner for our staff. Thank you!

Delivery

The Law Firm of Kitrick, Lewis & Harris delivered several bags of wonderful new toys for our Holiday Store. Thank you!

Donation

Patrick Rogers has an Ohio State vs. Michigan party where he does a collection for HFF. Patrick came in today with a wonderful donation for us! Thank you!!

Happy Holidays...

As the holiday season is approaching we at The Homeless Families Foundation are looking forward to another successful season. Last year we were able to provide a wonderful holiday for approximately 350 children, helping over 100 families.

For the past several years we have set up a Holiday gift “store” where the mothers and fathers could go “shopping” to choose gifts for their children. We did this as a way to more involve the parents in the Holiday season. We helped current families and some previous families that found themselves still needing assistance.

We are going to be doing the same thing this year and are asking for donations for newborns through the age of 18. (See list below) We need to have new toys and clothing into our main office by Wednesday, December 9th. We are also asking for donations of gift wrap, tags and tape.

It is such a joyous time at The Homeless Families Foundation and without community support we would not be able to provide such a wonderful Holiday for our families. We thank you in advance for your support.

Should you have any questions please call Karie @ (614) 461-9247 or by e-mail
kgallegos@homelessfamiliesfoundation.org

Wish List

Clothing
New sweatshirts/sweatpants/ jeans and tops all sizes both boys and girls
New underwear all sizes toddler to teenager both boys and girls
New socks all sizes toddler to teenager both boys and girls

Toys
Fisher Price toys
Lego sets
Learning toys (all ages)
Board games (monopoly, sorry, checkers, operation)
Popular DVD’s
Basketballs, Footballs, Soccer balls/ pumps
Diary’s with gel pens
Books (Harry Potter, Junie B Jones, Box Car Children etc)
Disposable cameras

Teenagers tend to get left out so we are asking for gift cards from: Target, Wal-mart, Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Bath & Body Works, AMC Movies etc.

On-Going shelter needs
Gift cards (Kroger, Wal-Mart, Target) $5/$10/$20
Pots and pans
Twin size bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
Bath & Kitchen towels
Cleaning supplies (409, Pine-sol, Dish Soap etc)
Lysol Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
Diapers/Wipes (all sizes)


Holiday Help

December 9th~ Donations should be dropped off by this day

December 7th-December 11th~ We need help setting up the holiday store & organizing general donations. The hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-2:30.

December 14th-December 18th~ We will need help organizing the store and general donations, helping the families shop for their children and then gift wrapping the items. The hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-2:30.

December 21st -December 23rd~ Catch all days and we would need help straightening up the holiday store area as well as the donation room. The hours will be 9:00-4:30

January 4th-January 8th~ We will need help cleaning out the holiday store and putting away general donations. The hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-2:30.

Thank you in advance for your help this year we certainly could not do what we do at HFF without community support….

JP Morgan Chase

JP Morgan Chase is giving away $5 million dollars to non-profits. The non-profit with the most votes wins! You must have a facebook user in order to vote. Thanks for taking the time.

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/262797?src=wallpost&ref=nf

Jones Middle School

Students from Jones Middle School made a delivery to us today. Cleaning supplies, canned food, diapers and personal care products. Thank you!

Food Boxes

Thank you to the parishoners of St. Joan of Arc Church. 400 food boxes delivered to Homeless Families Foundation today. Turkeys, hams and all the makings for Thanksgiving dinners for our families. The remainder of the food will stock our pantry for several months. Your generous spririt should be an inspiration for all. Thanks to OSU kids corp, Rotorac of Ohio State, Lisa Newkirk and family. You guys rock! .

House Pins...

We are happy to say that we have been selling pins by Lucinda for many years. We have lots of fun ones to choose from...They sell for $15 each...

Below is a copy of her story -

Designs by Lucinda...

The story behind the pins~

After two years of being homeless, I created a simple pin in the shape of a house a s fundraiser for the homeless. These pins were a huge success. They not only raised money for my local homeless shelter, but more importantly they created a greater awareness for the issues surrounding homelessness.

For the next few years I continued to make House Pins and was inspired to design additional pins representing several other challenging social issues we face. I could not believe how my small idea of giving back took on a life of its own. Nineteen years later Designs by Lucinda has helped thousands of non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars to create positive change in people's lives.

Designs by Lucinda's imaginative style represents and communicates many diverse causes. I personally invite you to make a difference in your community by wearing your pin close to your heart and spreading the message of the non-profit that you support every time you wear it. You too, can make an impact in your community. Become a part of our fundraising family.

Changing the World One Pin at a Time - Lucinda

Target....

We are now registered at Target! We have both our general needs as well as holiday needs...
You can find us by searching the registry under The Homeless Families Foundation...
http://www.target.com/lists/234W7TW47LJYG

Come Home for the Holidays

Thank you to all who participated in the Come Home for the Holidays event on Friday! It was a wonderful evening. Mark your calendars now for next year - Friday, November 5, 2010.

Village of Groveport

Supports from the Village of Groveport delivered over 60 large bags of donated items to us. There were towels, personal care items, pillows, socks and underware, blankets, cleaning supplies and cookies. Thank you for your support!

Holiday Season

As the holiday season is approaching we at The Homeless Families Foundation are looking forward to another successful season. Last year we were able to provide a wonderful holiday for approximately 350 children, helping over 100 families.

For the past several years we have set up a Holiday gift “store” where the mothers and fathers could go “shopping” to choose gifts for their children. We did this as a way to more involve the parents in the Holiday season. We helped current families and some previous families that found themselves still needing assistance.

We are going to be doing the same thing this year and are asking for donations for newborns through the age of 18. (See list below) We need to have new toys and clothing into our main office by Wednesday, December 9th. We are also asking for donations of gift wrap, tags and tape.

It is such a joyous time at The Homeless Families Foundation and without community support we would not be able to provide such a wonderful Holiday for our families. We thank you in advance for your support.

Should you have any questions please call Karie @ (614) 461-9247 or by e-mail
kgallegos@homelessfamiliesfoundation.org, you now can find us on Facebbok as well as our blog page –hffweeklyupdate.blogspot.com

Wish List

Clothing
New sweatshirts/sweatpants/ jeans and tops all sizes both boys and girls
New underwear all sizes toddler to teenager both boys and girls
New socks all sizes toddler to teenager both boys and girls

Toys
Fisher Price toys/Legos sets
Learning toys (all ages)
Board games (monopoly, sorry, checkers, operation)
Popular DVD’s
Basketballs, Footballs, Soccer balls/ pumps
Diary’s with gel pens
Books (Harry Potter, Junie B Jones, Box Car Children etc)
Disposable cameras

Teenagers tend to get left out so we are asking for gift cards from: Target, Wal-mart, Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Bath & Body Works, AMC Movies etc.

On-Going shelter needs
Gift cards (Kroger, Wal-Mart, Target) $5/$10/$20
Pots and pans
Twin size bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
Bath & Kitchen towels
Cleaning supplies (409, Pine-sol, Dish Soap etc)
Lysol Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
Diapers/Wipes (all sizes)

Below are the dates and times that we need help- If you are interested in helping please call or e-mail Karie

December 9th~ Donations should be dropped off by this day

December 7th-December 11th~ We need help setting up the holiday store & organizing general donations. The hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-2:30.

December 14th-December 18th~ We will need help organizing the store and general donations, helping the families shop for their children and then gift wrapping the items. The hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-2:30.

December 21st -December 23rd~ Catch all days and we would need help straightening up the holiday store area as well as the donation room. The hours will be 9:00-4:30

January 4th-January 8th~ We will need help cleaning out the holiday store and putting away general donations. The hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-2:30.

Thank you in advance for your help this year we certainly could not do what we do at HFF without community support….

Come Home for the Holidays

Come Home for the Holidays is quickly approaching and November 6th will be here before you know it. There is still time to buy tickets to the event - $60 will get you in the door where we will have both beer and wine tastings throughout the eveningas well as wonderful hors d'oeuvres. It isn't to late to purchase raffle tickets 5 for $20 we will also have a live and silent auction. It is always a fun evening and we look forward to you joining us.

We are still in need of volunteers for the event. For more information please e-mail Julie - julieannelovegrove@hotmail.com

Project Linus

This Blanket

My heart was thinking of you, my hands knew what to do.

This blanket grew out of the love I want to share with you.

I hope it will keep you warm, and bfriend you late at night.

I hope you'll come to love it and be comforted by its sight.

Let this blanket wrap you in friendship, and cover you in love.

Because this blanket was thinking of you long before it was even done.

Volunteers for Event

We are in need of approximatly 20 more volunteers for our event on Friday, November 6th from 5:30-10:00. Volunteers will help with the silent auction table, house pin table, directing traffic, selling raffle tickets and much more. If you are interested in helping please e-mail Julie- julieannelovegrove@hotmail.comRead More

Come Home for the Holiday's

Come Home for the Holidays...Would you like to support homeless kids in the Columbus area, consider buying a raffle ticket to win a great prize! You do not need to be present to win!! Visit our website for more details. Thanks in advance for your support! www.homelessfamiliesfoundation.org

Donations

Men and women from Columbus Sathya Sai Center brought us wonderful donations today that we can use in our units. They heard about the fire we had last week and they wanted to help and give back to the community.

Fire Update

Our families are moving back into their apartments today! PuroClean was here yesterday and through the night to get everything cleaned and they did a fantastic job! Everything smells so clean now. Thanks again to everyone who has helped in our effort to get our families back home we truely could not do what we do without the support of such a wonderful community.

Halloween Costumes

The costumes in the picture were donated to us today-

The costumes are custom made by the director of the Worthington School of Ballet for each of her students. They were donated by former ballerinas, The Taylor girls.

Fire Damage

Last night we suffered an unfortunate fire to our units above our main office. Everyone was able to get out safely with no injuries! Our families were able to find places to go for the evening and we are working today with several volunteers to get everything cleaned up and our families moved back into their apartments. We want to thank the Columbus Firefighter and the Columbus Police Department for their speedy reaction to the call!

We are in need of twin size bedding, crib sheets, bath towels, twin beds, small kitchen tables and chairs, love seats, small end tables and working lamps.We will keep you posted on how things are happening and the clean up efforts so that our families can return to their homes.

If you are a Facebook user please become our fan- we will also be updating from there.Thanks again for your care and support we certainly could not do what we do without comminity support.

Dozens Displaced After Fire At Homeless Shelter
Source: www.10tv.com
WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio's News Leader

October

Wow! Where has the time gone? I can not believe it is already October. The weather is changing fast, the leaves are falling and the smells of fall are in the air. We are certainly busy at the shelter and with the holiday's coming up thought it would be a great idea to start a blog page to keep friends updated on event and needs.

Halloween is quickly approaching and if you have costumes that your children will not be wearing this year it would be our goal to help outfit our kids. We currently have 101 children in our program and wouldn't it be fun to have all of them dressed up for trick or treating. The costumes can be new or gently used and ready for wear.

Our hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30-5:00 and
Friday's 8:30-3:00
We are located at 651 West Broad Street, 43215

Mission Statement

To provide shelter, support, stability, and nurturing for homeless children and their families as they prepare to acquire permanent housing.