By Dan Flynn, Director, Development & External Relations
At the Community Foundation of Howard County, we are proud to partner with nonprofits that are meeting critical needs and strengthening our community, like A Home of Our Own Howard – and with donors who want to make a difference by investing in their work. Their mission is to provide essential furniture and household items at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, helping them create safe, stable, and welcoming homes.
- Who they serve: A Home of Our Own Howard supports individuals, veterans, and families transitioning out of homelessness.
- What they do: Their work aligns with CFHC’s 12 pillars of community well being, including Housing & Homelessness and Economic Stability, providing critical household items that help families establish a strong foundation.
- Why it matters: “Stable housing is a critical first step toward long term success,” said Dee Athey, CFHC Director, Grants and Community Engagement.
- CFHC support: CFHC has recently supported this work through our Community Grants program, including awards of $4,500 in 2024 and $4,000 in 2025, aligned with our 12 pillars of community well-being. This impact has also been recognized across our community. In 2023, A Home of Our Own Howard received the Casey & Pebble Willis “Making a Difference” Award, with founder Betty Pearson honored at CFHC’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy. A $5,000 grant from CFHC accompanied the Willis Award.
- How you can help: Visit the A Home of Our Own Howard website to learn more and support their work: https://www.homeofourownhoward.org/donate
This week I visited to see their work in action. What an operation. It’s impressive how organized and sophisticated the organization has become. A massive amount of inventory moves in and out of their facility regularly – and volunteers make it all happen.
For more than 55 years, the Community Foundation of Howard County has connected generosity to community need, strengthening Howard County through grantmaking, partnerships, and philanthropic leadership. Guided by 12 pillars of community well being, we invest in lasting impact across our community. Learn more www.cfhoco.org