MANSFIELD, Ohio — The problem of homelessness is close to Harmony House Executive Director Vicki Kane’s heart, but not because she’s served there for 25 years — she was homeless at the age of 18.
“I came from an abusive home, so at 18 I packed up a duffle bag and moved out to the streets of Detroit,” said Kane, who celebrated 25 years with Harmony House on Friday.
Harmony House, which was founded in 1990, held an open house at their annex on Third Street in Mansfield. During the five hour celebration, Kane and Harmony House received two proclamations; one from the city of Mansfield, signed and sealed by Mayor Tim Theaker, and another from the state, signed and sealed by Governor John Kasich.
“I learned a lot when I was out on the streets,” said Kane. “I met two boys that taught me how to survive. I didn’t plan on being an executive director for a homeless shelter. But life happens and doors open.”
In 1980, Kane landed a job that would later change her life. She started at Mansfield-Richland-Morrow Community Action Program as a Head Start teacher. Ten years later, she became Harmony House’s Executive Director.
On Friday, Kane received accolades from longstanding volunteers and city officials.
“It’s easy to work with someone like Vicki,” said 25-year volunteer and Friends of Harmony House Chairperson Pat Bell. “When you have someone that works as hard as she does, it’s easy. She just get’s right in there get’s in the trenches.”
Former Mansfield Mayor Ed Meehan showed the executive director his appreciation as well.
“Vicki has done a tremendous job. There’s no doubt about it. And so has her staff, she has a heck of a staff. It’s been a pleasure for me to be working with them for these number of years. Thank you very much,” said Meehan as he addressed attendants at the open house.
According to Kane, Harmony House first began operating out of 163 West Fifth Street, across the street from the school. Back then, she said, they only could serve 25 [clients] per day.
“But in 1998 we moved to our current location on Third Street and we serve 60 per day,” said Kane, proudly.
According to Harmony House’s client statistics from 2014, 268 men, 144 women and 88 children were served. Kane said they do such a good job that most people are unaware of a homeless problem in the area.
“Since we house them, they’re not out on the street so people don’t see them. They don’t realize it’s such an issue,” said Kane.
Harmony House owns a 6-unit apartment building and recently purchased a house on Dickson Avenue to provide permanent housing for qualified individuals. The organization also owns 10 transitional housing units for families or individuals who qualify.
Their main location on 124 West Third Street in Mansfield provides temporary shelter for men, women and children.
Despite the organization’s success, Kane strives to expand so they can reach more homeless individuals and families.
“We need to expand. We need additional types of housing for certain population groups,” said Kane.
Moving forward, Kane hopes Harmony House will be able to provide services and housing to single fathers, youth and individuals with mental illnesses. For more information on Harmony House and how to donate time, finances and resources, call 419-522-2283 or visit their website.
