Home for Families

HFF was founded in 1986 by Teresa Dowd, Jan Wagner and Mary Jane Carpenter who were concerned about the increasing number of children and families who were homeless in Franklin County.

HFF began operations with five modest apartments and an all-volunteer staff. Today HFF uses a housing first model that moves families directly into permanent housing and continues to provide case management and support until the family becomes stable.

In 1991 the first children’s program, a two week summer camp, was introduced. By 1994 the program had grown to a three day a week education and tutoring program. The Program has developed into a fully licensed afterschool and summer educational enrichment program for kindergarten through middle school children. The Dowd Education Center is open to all children in HFF’s housing first program and children who are at risk of becoming homeless who live in Columbus’ west side neighborhoods.