The Crier Landing Page >>
Community Heroes
HOMEWARD BOUND OF MARIN
By: Janet Carter | November 3, 2022
Founded in 1974, Homeward Bound of Marin is the primary provider of shelter and housing services for families and adults experiencing homelessness in Marin County. Services include the county's only year-round emergency shelters for adults and for families in our community.
Our Mission: "Opening doors to safety, dignity, hope, and independence."
Emergency Shelter: 160 beds of emergency shelter in five programs for families and individuals.
Supportive Housing: 350+ beds in 15 supportive housing programs around Marin Employment Training: Award-winning training at Fresh Starts Culinary Academy plus supportive employment.
Who We Serve: Families with children, seniors, veterans, people struggling with mental illness, and others experiencing the crisis of homelessness
Results: In 2021-22, programs served 634 individuals and 252 people in families. Of those leaving the programs, 88% of families and 77% of adults exited to stable housing.
Homeward Bound operates shelter and housing programs throughout Marin that range from group homes to individual apartments with affordable rents.
Participants in all programs receive case management from compassionate staff who offer coaching and support to help them maintain housing and thrive.
Individuals: Shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing, including veterans programs and medical respite for people leaving hospital care without housing.
Families: Shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for parents with children aged 0 to 18 years.
Mental Health: Shelter and permanent supportive housing for individuals struggling with mental illness.
Employment Training: Fresh Starts Culinary Academy offers award-winning training in a 10-week curriculum of hands-on learning in the kitchen. The course is open to students from the community along with Homeward Bound participants. All graduates receive job placement assistance.
Social Enterprise: An array of social enterprise businesses serve the community and provide supportive employment. They include The Key Room event venue and Wagster Treats premium dog biscuits.
In November, we will be fundraising to provide Thanksgiving meal boxes to families in the Homeward Bound of Marin programs. Donate to purchase a box or join us November 20 to assemble the boxes. We hope you consider supporting this effort to give a holiday meal to a family in need. This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we need your help to make it a success!
Janet Carter serves on the SMMC board as Director of Philanthropy. She is committed to helping members learn more about the wonderful organizations in Marin that support children, youth, mothers, and families. You can volunteer for events through the calendar or contact Janet at janetsmmc@gmail.com.