Home Runs For The Homeless Event Sets Fundraising Recording

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A special fundraiser held this summer ended up netting 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.

"Sadly, despite homelessness being down overall, Maryland saw the third highest increase of any state nationwide. 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," Kathy Walsh, chief advancement officer of Harford Family House, told Patch.

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.

"The format is teams of four people batting, with each batter receiving 15 swings (with the option to pay for 'second chance' swings, which gives them five extra swings). There are prizes for top individuals, teams, law enforcement team, etc.," Walsh told Patch.

"This year, we had a mix of teams, from youth teams to teams representing the Aberdeen Police, Bel Air Police, Harford County Sheriff's Union, a number of businesses (DICORP, Jones Junction, Harford Financial, Indreditek, Kalista Enterprises, Old Line Veterinarian Urgent Care, Whiting Turner, Harford Bank, Rosedale Bank), Harford County Parks and Rec, Aberdeen Rotary, Harford Community College and more," Walsh added.

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

"Home Runs for the Homeless continues to show what is possible when our community comes together for a common purpose," said Robin Tomechko, CEO of Harford Family House. "Every dollar raised represents hope for someone experiencing homelessness. This record-breaking event means more families will have access to safe shelter, stable housing, and the support they need to rebuild their lives. We are incredibly grateful to every participant, sponsor, donor, volunteer and supporter who made this day possible."

Funds raised through Home Runs for the Homeless directly support Harford Family House's comprehensive programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and supportive services that help families and individuals achieve long-term independence.

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."