Home Runs For The Homeless Event Sets Fundraising Recording

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A special fundraiser held this summer netted a record-breaking $109,917, which will be used to help end homelessness in Harford County.

Hosted by the Harford Family House, the Home Runs for the Homeless event this summer was the 17th event, raising upwards of $900,000 over the years.

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"Sadly, despite homelessness being down overall, Maryland saw the third highest increase of any state nationwide," Kathy Walsh, chief advancement officer of Harford Family House, told Patch. "Locally, per Harford County Public Schools, at the end of the school year, there were 649 students enrolled who did not have permanent, stable housing."

Held this summer at Union Field at Ripken Stadium, Home Runs for the Homeless drew a record 33 teams of men and women who competed throughout the day to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Harford County.

Teams of four competed, with each batter receiving 15 swings and the option to purchase five additional "second chance" swings. Prizes were awarded to top-performing individuals and teams, including a law enforcement category.

This year's participants ranged from youth teams and local law enforcement agencies to businesses and community organizations. Teams represented Aberdeen and Bel Air police, the Harford County Sheriff's Union, Harford County Parks and Recreation, Aberdeen Rotary and Harford Community College, along with numerous local businesses.

The event also achieved another milestone with participants raising a record $37,612 through crowdfunding.

Harford Family House CEO Robin Tomechko said the record-breaking fundraiser demonstrated the community's support for people experiencing homelessness. Money raised will help provide families with shelter, stable housing and other resources needed to rebuild their lives.

As the need for homelessness services continues to grow in Harford County, these funds also will help support Harford Family House's ongoing expansion efforts.

The organization is expanding its Belcamp Emergency Shelter by adding four family-emergency shelter apartments. The first dedicated emergency shelter for families in its history, and eight additional beds for women. In Aberdeen, Harford Family House is developing 10 new short-term family housing units to provide safe, stable housing for families in crisis while they work toward permanent housing solutions.

"Our success isn't measured only by dollars raised or home runs hit," Tomechko added. "It's measured by the lives that will be changed because our community chose to stand with people experiencing homelessness. We couldn't be more thankful for the overwhelming support."