About Us

Providing homeless resources in Marin County since 1974.

We serve as Marin County’s main provider of shelter and supportive housing for unhoused families and adults.

two men sit across a table having a conversation.

Serving Marin County

As Marin County’s main provider of resources for homeless adults, families and veterans, we welcome approximately 1,000 people per year through our 18 programs. We provide safe accommodation, compassionate support and job training for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness.

Our Impact

2023 -2024 Impact highlights: making a difference in people’s lives.

915 people served in shelter and housing
53 homeless veterans served
81% of families left for a housing opportunity
13% of residents are under 18 years old
457 adults received shelter services
434 people served in supportive housing
93% of residents in mental health programs maintained housing
27% of residents are aged 62+
99 single adults received medical respite care

Our Leadership

Founded in 1974 with a single family shelter, Homeward Bound of Marin has refined and expanded services designed to end homelessness for every person served, whatever their circumstances.

Co-Chief Executive Officer - Mary Kay Sweeney, PhD

Mary Kay Sweeney, PhD

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Co-Chief Executive Officer - Paul Fordham

Paul Fordham

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer - Carrie Sager

Carrie Sager

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Program Officer - Anna Hurtado

Anna Hurtado

Chief Program Officer

Board of Directors

Robert D. Puett

President

Dianne Snedaker

Vice President

Elvira Echevarria

Treasurer

Sonia Seeman

Secretary

Nicole Bartolini

Nancy Culhane

Lynes Downing

Nicole Gardner

Sheri Joseph

Sister Carla Kovack

Anita Jones Roehrick

Liz Saint John

Jim Snipes

Marion Weinreb

Cynthia Williams

JEDI Culture and Learning

Homeward Bound of Marin cultivates a work culture that embraces the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) throughout our organization. By integrating them into our hearts, minds, behaviors and structures we enable sustained transformation in our decision making, relationships, practices and systems.

Our initiatives include ongoing education, training, inclusive design and regular assessments to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Our goal is to create an organization whose participants and partners follow the JEDI principles in every aspect of our work.

“To have a diverse practice, we must have an inclusive atmosphere.  To have an inclusive atmosphere, we must have a healthy culture.  To have a healthy culture, we must embody growth beyond our perspective.”

– Jevin Koleth
Four people standing in front of a building holding signs that read: JEDI

These are our guiding values:

Justice

A vision for transformation of systems and structures to advance collective liberation, dignity, resources, power and self-determination so that all groups can thrive.

Equity

Recognize that everyone has different circumstances and strive to allocate resources and opportunities to deliver equitable outcomes for all.

Diversity

Build a community where members’ origins, perspectives, orientations, lifestyles, abilities, and interests are embraced and elevated for the benefit of the whole.

Inclusion

Bring traditionally excluded groups into the formation of policy, planning, processes, and decision making in an authentic way.

Partners in Service

We believe in the power of partnerships to advance toward the goal of ending homelessness. Our corporate and nonprofit partners provide a broad spectrum of support for our work on behalf of the community.

To learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact Development Director Corry Kanzenberg.
415-382-3363 ext. 216
ckanzenberg@hbofm.org.

Spotlight: GEM Garden Program

Trainees from the GEM training provided by Integrated Community Services began working alongside our team in 2018, using 15 rows in our main garden to grow flowers and vegetables. Clients of GEM now work in our gardens five days a week as they build workplace confidence and skills. Produce grown in Homeward Bound gardens goes into the meals served in our shelter and housing programs. The GEM team also harvests produce for boxes delivered monthly to a small list of local customers. Along with the plants, this partnership cultivates a culture of learning in the garden. Homeward Bound also hosts volunteer groups in garden, where they learn about our programs and a hands-on boost to people taking steps out of homelessness. GEM team supervisors say being in our garden builds self-esteem for their trainees, along with the ability to practice independence by taking the bus to the site.

“Working with GEM has been a great collaboration with a strong community partner. There’s some crossover between our clients and their team seems to enjoy being here. We’re really happy with the results.”

two people work in a garden

Our Corporate Partners

Our 50-year history

Since our first homeless shelter in 1974 through to our latest achievement, housing for 24 veterans, Homeward Bound of Marin has been providing shelter, housing, training and support to homeless adults, families and veterans.

Learn more about our history
Sculptures of keys in the garden

Get in touch

Contact us to learn more about our programs, businesses, donations and volunteer opportunities.