The vision of Harford Helps began in 2016 when the founder of Fresh Start Furnishings, a local nonprofit which collects and distributes gently-used furniture and home goods, noticed a pattern. Though the organization collects many essential items, they were many donations offered that were not on their wishlist.
This prompted donors to frequently ask the question:
“Do you know where I can donate _______?”
That blank was filled in with everything from clothes, to baby items, to sporting goods, to books and more. Though volunteers at the organization did their best, there was no easy or consistent way to recommend other organizations that could accept these donations. This information gap is what inspired Fresh Start founder Alicia Hamilton, to create an idea called “The Donation Directory,” which eventually became what we know today as Harford Helps.
In its early stages, The Donation Directory was a searchable database where Harford County nonprofits could be list and share their donation wishlists with charitable Harford residents looking to donate items. The idea had to take a back seat for some time however due to Fresh Start’s fast-paced growth. Years later, during a meeting with a local government director, the idea was discussed and it was suggested to combine the Donation Directory with another well-meaning albeit static online resource called Volunteer Harford. The director suggested combining the two ideas and calling them Harford Helps. Thus, another seed of inspiration was planted, and the idea continued to incubate.
In 2021, the timing was right and work on the project finally begun. Two months into planning, Alicia and her team realized that a database of donation and volunteer opportunities also encompassed in its content, a database of community programs and services for people looking for assistance. The full vision for the website could now be seen. Harford Helps would offer three unique search functions and meet three unique community needs.
Today, Harford Helps offers widespread appeal to the entirety of the Harford County community. Harford citizens looking to donate items or volunteer their time are able to search the Directory using distinct keywords to find where to donate specific items or how they can support specific causes. Harford citizens in need of services can visit the directory and use a different set of keywords to search for the specific resources they are looking for. The Harford Helps website launched in October 2022 with the support of four local philanthropic businesses known as our Founding Patrons. This invaluable community resource continues to be supported by community-focused corporate sponsors who believe in the vision of One County, One Community.
To learn more about Social Progress Solutions, Technology 4 Causes, and the Harford Helps directory, we encourage you to reach out.
