We've been helping Bay Area veterans since 1974

We are a community-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are dedicated to supporting nearly 3,000 homeless, low-income and at-risk veterans in the Bay Area every year.  

OUR HISTORY

Founded by
Vietnam-era
vets

Swords to Plowshares started with a single grant and a small office on Valencia Street. Now over 45 years later with an annual budget of $30+ million, we are still doing the same thing we set out to do — heal the wounds of war, restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and prevent and end homelessness and poverty among veterans.

WHO WE ARE

Our values

Our Mission
War causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield. Swords to Plowshares' mission is to support veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life, and to prevent and end veteran homelessness through wrap-around care and informed advocacy. 
Our Vision
All veterans will have access to the care and services they need to achieve health, housing, wellness, and stability.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy of care recognizes that veteran homelessness, instability, institutional racism, and systemic oppression are interrelated and require an integrated network of support.
OUR COMMITMENT

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Swords to Plowshares, diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our mission. We embrace these values to foster an environment where every story is respected and all individuals can flourish.

Learn more about our DEI initiatives

OUR FOCUS

Our services support
veterans in three key areas

We understand the issues veterans face - including homelessness, unemployment, disability, and health - are interconnected and require wrap-around support.

Health & Wellness

​​Access to healthcare, counseling, critical needs, and a community of support is critical for veterans trying to turn their life around.

Housing Support

​​We believe that every veteran deserves a safe and stable place to call home, but we recognize that not every path to housing is the same.

Our Housing Portfolio
Financial Stability

​​Securing income through employment or disability income is key to restoring independence and dignity.

OUR CLIENTS

Who we serve

We serve 3,000+ veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area every year. The majority are homeless, extremely low-income, older than 55, and/or have a disability.

91%

Low-Income

According to HUD guidelines, most of our veterans are considered low-income.

56%

Veterans of Color

More than half are veterans of color;
41% are Black veterans.

44%

Experience Homelessness

On average, our clients were homeless for 3.2 years before seeking our services. This includes living in a car, couch surfing, and other forms of housing insecurity.

62%

Live with Disabling Condition(s)

This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI)

OUR IMPACT

Positive impacts
for clients every year

501 veterans
housed in our permanent supportive housing programs
199 veteran families
secured permanent housing; another 263 avoided eviction
$25.3 million
in direct VA benefits won + free healthcare
74 veterans
completed vocational training programs
13,000 nights
of temporary emergency housing funded
101,412 community meals
served to veterans and veteran families

OUR LEADERSHIP

Our diverse team of change makers

OUR IMPACT

Leadership in
the community

Manage 500+ units of affordable housing

Educate 1,000+ community professionals

Train 2,500+ attorneys in VA law annually

Advocate for veterans’ fair share of resources

Lead solution-focused coalitions at the local, state and national level

FINANCIALS

Our Funders

​​Year after year, Swords to Plowshares has been an excellent steward of private and public funds. We operate with significant dollars from public grants, but rely on the generosity of private donors who enable us the flexibility to serve veterans from all walks of life.

Learn more about our financials