Our Programs for Homeless Veterans
Homeward Bound is proud to serve veterans across our programs - we've been doing it for 50 years.
Veterans who need services can call our shelter team at 415-457-9651.
Homeless veterans programs
Since 2000, a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has helped provide specialized services at the New Beginnings Center shelter. We host a Veterans Affairs representative at our site to help veterans connect with benefits and housing vouchers.
Homeward Bound provides a case manager dedicated to serving veterans, who can help them locate housing options, employment training or community resources. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, 50 veterans received services at Homeward Bound.
Melissa's story
Moving into Puett Place gave Melissa, a U.S. Army veteran, the feeling that “all the chaos I’ve been through is finally ending.”
Support from our staff helped her believe in the future after she extracted herself from an abusive relationship and focused on strengthening her sobriety.
Her eight years of Army service began when she was 19, after a childhood that she recalls as unsteady due to poverty and her parents’ drug use. She followed her service by studying to become a registered nurse, a career that thrived until she lost her housing.
“I’ve never had more loving support than I’ve had here.”
Melissa opened another path at our Fresh Starts Culinary Academy. After graduating, she joined our team to prepare shelter meals and serve guests at catered events.
“Coming to Homeward Bound has been such a complete relief and let me think about my life again,” Melissa says.
Housing for veterans
We opened Puett Place in 2024, welcoming 24 unhoused veterans to new apartments built with community partnership. This building brings Marin County to the brink of ending veteran homelessness and becoming the first county in California to do so.
Residents at Puett Place pay affordable rents and have access to staff support for connecting to medical care, benefits or community resources. Puett Place expands our supportive housing programs in Novato, providing the only dedicated housing for veterans in Marin.
Resources for veterans
For additional information about homeless veterans programs, please visit va.gov/homeless
Press 1 for veterans.
415-382-3363 x238
Andrew's story
Gazing around his cozy home in Novato, Andrew S. says he’s happy with his peaceful place in the world as part of our Palm Court supportive housing program.
The U.S. Army veteran says the location meets all his needs, being just a short walk from groceries, bus, bank and a local park. Due to a brain injury, his memory has become spotty and he wanted simple routes for his regular errands.
Andrew spent years living outdoors in a tiny shelter on a ridge above Fairfax. “We never considered ourselves homeless,” he says, and he rejoiced in the nature around him.
As he got older, however, Andrew’s health worsened. He descended from his retreat to attend college and build a stable income, but ended up living on the street with seizures, migraines and vision problems.
Since coming to Homeward Bound, Andrew has reconnected with his family in Florida.