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 reserved beds and 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 2022-23 fiscal year, 52 veterans received services at Homeward Bound.
Matt's story
Moving into his own apartment ended five years of couch-surfing and shelters for Matt. He also began a path to serving other veterans working to solve challenges.
“After I was housed for awhile, I wanted to do something to be of service. I get a lot of satisfaction out of it.
He volunteers for the Marin County Veterans Service Office in addition to a full-time job with Bayside Marin Treatment Center. His own journey through challenges came after six years with the U.S. Marines Reserves, including a year of active deployment in Iraq. “After I came home from Iraq, I started drinking a lot. I really didn’t have a lot of direction in my life,” Matt says. At Homeward Bound of Marin, Matt received support from our veteran services team to help resolve a pending disability claim and secure a housing voucher. He’s lived in his San Rafael home ever since.
“Homeward Bound offers actual support to veterans. It’s not just a place to sleep. There’s a clear path to housing.”
New housing for veterans
We celebrated the Grand Opening in June for Puett Place, our new building with 24 apartments for unhoused veterans. When fully occupied, this building has the potential to end veteran homelessness in Marin County!
The project expands our supportive housing programs in Novato, providing onsite staff to support residents as they build resilience and the capacity to thrive in their new homes.
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.