Advocates for Homeless Families, Frederick, MD

09/24/2026

We would love your support! Tag us in the Petersen’s post comments!

🎁 IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR 12 WEEKS OF GIVING! 🎁

For the past several years, we’ve had the privilege of highlighting and supporting some pretty amazing local nonprofits through our 12 Weeks of Giving campaign and we’re getting ready to do it again!

But this year, we’re working on a new twist that we think is going to make things even more fun. 👀 We’re still working out the details, so we’re not quite ready to spill the beans yet…

But we need your help with the first step!

👇 Who should we feature this year?

Tag your favorite Frederick County-based nonprofit in the comments! It can be an organization you personally support, one doing great work in our community, or one you think deserves a little more attention.

We’ll be gathering nominations over the next few days as we put this year’s campaign together.

And stay tuned… we have some fun things up our sleeve. 😉

09/24/2026

A house gives you a roof.

A home gives you a place to finally exhale.

For many of the families we serve, survival mode has been their reality day after day, week after week, and sometimes year after year. When you’re constantly wondering where you’ll sleep, what happens next, or whether your family will be safe, healing has to wait.

That’s why our work at Advocates for Homeless Families has never been about simply providing housing.

It’s about creating a home. A place of safety. Stability. Dignity. A place where families can slowly let their guard down, begin to heal, and start thinking about tomorrow instead of just surviving today.

This week, we had the privilege of welcoming a new family into their home. This family is part of the Deaf community, and we’re especially excited for the opportunity to learn from one another, deepen our understanding of Deaf culture, and continue growing in how we serve every family who comes through our doors.

Because this work changes us, too.

Every family brings their own story, experiences, culture, and perspective. We’re grateful to be part of their next chapter and grateful for everything they teach us along the way.

This is more than housing.
This is home.

09/23/2026

Leadership in a nonprofit means being able to tell the story AND never losing sight of the people behind it.

One minute, our Executive Director, Shiara Jackson, is sitting with community partners, talking about the work Advocates for Homeless Families does and why it matters.

Five minutes later, she may be sitting across from a family in desperate need of housing, listening to their story and helping them figure out what comes next.

Both conversations matter. Both are part of the work.

Because strong partnerships help make the mission possible, but being there for families when they need us most is the reason the mission exists.

09/18/2026

We can’t do this work without you.

Every family deserves the chance to find stability, rebuild, and move forward. Your support helps Advocates for Homeless Families continue walking alongside families as they work toward a more secure future.

Every gift matters. Every donor makes a difference.
Help us keep the work going.
https://bit.ly/4Ak3faZ

09/12/2026

Stop by our table at In The Streets! Learn more about all we do in Frederick for our homeless population and some sweet treats and fun games!

09/11/2026

Shiara had the opportunity to attend the Ausherman Family Foundation’s 2026 Professional Development Series, joining fellow nonprofit leaders for a workshop focused on nonprofit budgeting, financial management, and mitigating financial risk.

We’re grateful for opportunities like these that allow Advocates for Homeless Families to keep learning, growing, and strengthening the work we do for families in our community.

Thank you to The Word Woman, LLC, Joshua Pedersen, and the Ausherman Family Foundation for an informative and valuable session!

09/09/2026

90% is not just a statistic - it’s proof that with the right support, families can break the cycle of homelessness and build a future they’re proud of.

This is what advocacy looks like.�This is what hope looks like.

09/04/2026

We’re proud to highlight Advocates for Homeless Families Vice President Sarah Welker!

Sarah brings an energy and positive attitude that make a real difference - not just in the boardroom, but in the work happening throughout our community.

As Director of Dual Enrollment and High School Partnerships at Frederick Community College, Sarah’s professional work is centered around creating opportunities and helping students build pathways toward their futures.

Sarah is one of those board members who doesn’t just hold a title - she shows up, gets involved, and helps move the mission forward.

09/04/2026

Leadership means showing up, speaking up, and making sure every voice has a place at the table.

We’re proud to have Board Member and State Delegate Kris Fair as part of the Advocates for Homeless Families family. Kris continues to be deeply involved in efforts that advance equality, celebrate diversity, and build a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.

His commitment to people and to creating opportunities for all is reflected not only in his public service, but in the many ways he continues to serve right here at home.

08/30/2026

We’re excited to share that our Executive Director, Shiara, is joining the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2026–2027!

Leadership is about continuing to learn, building meaningful connections, and finding new ways to strengthen the community around us. We know Shiara will bring the same passion she has for the families we serve at Advocates for Homeless Families to this experience.

Congratulations, Shiara! We can’t wait to follow along throughout the year and see where this journey takes you.