New Video: “Oleg’s Story” Reminds Us of Heroes in Our Midst

May 25, 2020

Drawing of old man's face

Rapidly rising housing costs pushed Oleg, a U.S. Navy veteran, into homelessness. His astonishing life story inspired everyone around him as he reached out for support to Homeward Bound of Marin.

In honor of Memorial Day and the veterans among us, we’re happy to share this new video, “Oleg’s Story,” and the tale of his journey that took him through New Beginnings Center to a new home at the California Veterans Home at Yountville at 80 years old.

During the coronavirus emergency, more than two dozen homeless veterans have found safe refuge at Homeward Bound of Marin. A partnership with the Veterans Administration reserves 16 beds at our New Beginnings Center with specialized support from counselor Steven Ventura, himself a vet, who assists each person as they take steps to rebuild their independence. The center also hosts an on-site staff member from the Veterans Administration.

With these connections, we’ve helped 16 homeless veterans move to housing opportunities in the past 12 months. As an “essential service,” Homeward Bound has remained open to ensure that even more “heroes in our midst” will continue on their paths out of homelessness in 2020.