(Isstories Editorial):- Washington, D.C, District of Columbia Jun 26, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – Robert Hahn, a veteran nonprofit executive and Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green, is sounding the alarm about food insecurity, aging care, and overlooked poverty in both U.S. and international communities. After nearly two decades leading hunger-relief and development efforts, Hahn is calling on everyday people to take small but meaningful steps to help solve big problems — starting in their own backyard.
“You’ve got to really care,” Hahn says. “Donors, partners — they can tell when you’re faking it. But if you listen, if you show up, you can build real trust. That’s when the good stuff happens.”
A Career Rooted in Ending Hunger
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Hahn’s journey began in 2008, when he founded End Hunger in Calvert County. It started with just a few churches and food pantries. It grew into a powerhouse network of 150+ partners, serving over 25,000 people per year. Hahn raised $10 million, built a 40,000-square-foot food warehouse, and launched job training programs to help hundreds transition from dependency to independence.
In 2022, he expanded the model across Southern Maryland through a new nonprofit, End Hunger in Southern Maryland, uniting 73 feeding partners.
“Hunger is still a hidden crisis in rural America,” Hahn says. “Just because it’s not on the news doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”
According to the USDA, nearly 34 million Americans, including 9 million children, live in food-insecure households. In rural communities, access to food pantries and grocery stores is even more limited.
Going Beyond Borders
In 2013, Hahn took his mission global, founding Honduras Compassion Partners (HCP). His team helped launch a certified high school program, built medical clinics, and created a 17-acre international training campus. HCP also delivered life-saving firefighting equipment and sent over 2,000 volunteers to support development projects in La Paz, Honduras.
“We didn’t just show up and leave,” Hahn says. “We became part of the community. That’s the only way lasting change works.”
HCP raised $1 million+ to improve access to water, education, and emergency services in Central America.
Senior Care: The New Frontier
Today, Hahn’s focus has shifted toward another rising crisis: America’s aging population. As Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green, he’s working to build awareness and funding for elder care services that are often overlooked.
In just one year, he tripled donor giving, secured six-figure grants, and rebuilt the organization’s public profile.
“This is the next big issue,” Hahn warns. “We’re getting older as a country, and our systems aren’t ready. If we don’t talk about this now, we’ll be facing a silent crisis.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65. Many will require long-term care — but lack the support or infrastructure to get it.
Start With Listening
Rather than asking for donations, Hahn is urging people to start by listening — to their communities, neighbors, and overlooked voices.
“Sometimes the hardest part is getting people to care about problems they can’t see,” Hahn says. “But if you frame it right, they will. And they’ll act.”
He encourages individuals to:
- Volunteer at local food pantries or senior care homes
- Support local nonprofits through word-of-mouth or small monthly gifts
- Ask questions: What’s missing in your town? Who’s being left behind?
- Vote for policies that support vulnerable populations
“This work isn’t about being a hero,” Hahn says. “It’s about showing up — again and again — even when no one’s watching.”
About Robert Hahn
Robert Hahn is a nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience in hunger relief, global development, and senior care advocacy. His work has been recognized by the Maryland Governor’s Office, National Congress of Black Women, and Maryland Food Bank. He currently serves as Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green in Virginia.
Robert Hahn
