Editor:

The Welcome One Emergency Shelter in Belcamp operated by Faith Communities and Civic Agencies United (FCCAU) continues to provide excellent services for Harford County's homeless population.

Even faced with reduced funding, our exceptional donor base and dedicated staff have demonstrated relentless diligence and compassion in caring for some of our county's most vulnerable citizens. During 2010, the Welcome One Emergency Shelter became a temporary home to 202 homeless men and women. At a cost of $25.62 per resident per night, the shelter provided 9,613 bed nights last year.

While we are proud of these accomplishments, there is still much to be done. In an effort to increase public awareness of the homeless situation in Harford County, we have several events coming up for which we would encourage community participation. On June 25 at 8 a.m., we will be hosting our 4th annual "Run for Shelter" run/walk event at Annie's Playground in Fallston. Runners, walkers and sponsors are needed.

On Aug. 1, we will again hold the Saxon's "Hope for the Homeless" Golf Tournament at the Maryland Golf and Country Club. Finally, we are excited to be sponsoring a new event this year which is our "Hawgwild for the Homeless" Motorcycle Safety Awareness Ride Oct. 8, where we are privileged to be partnering with Chesapeake Harley-Davidson, the Harford County Sheriff's Office and the Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company.

For more information as to how you can participate in these events and help our county's homeless, please contact the shelter at 410-272-2229 or visit our website at http://www.fccau.org.

Penny Comeau

FCCAU Volunteer