On Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, a pumpkin festival was held at Christ Episcopal Church to benefit the FCCAU Welcome One Emergency Shelter and the Harford Family House.

Welcome One is the only full-service emergency center in Harford County and is operated by FCCAU (Faith Communities and Civic Agencies United), a charitable organization that is supported by multiple churches, faith based groups, businesses, and government agencies. In addition to operating the shelter, FCCAU also operates a Transitional and Supportive Housing Program, with four units located in Bel Air.

Harford Family House is the largest provider of housing for homeless families with children in Harford County and was established in 1989. They also provide education in life skills, personalized case management, and referrals to similar agencies in addition to their 24 housing units.

Lori Powell, an attendee of the festival, says that “Both FCCAU and Harford Family House are great organizations. Homelessness is one of the biggest problems facing the nation today and it’s just nice to see that these people have an option other than to just stay on the streets.”

The festival was held at Christ Episcopal Church (2100 Rock Spring Road) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured pumpkin chunking, scarecrow making, crafts, vendors, and food. The Society for Creative Anachronism also presented medieval armored combats, weaving, and blacksmithing.

The pumpkin festival was highly successful with more than a hundred people coming for fun and to support the organizations involved. If you would like to receive more information, volunteer, or donate to FCCAU or Harford Family House visit www.welcomeoneshelter.com or www.harfordfamilyhouse.org.