ABOUT US

We've helped 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. We offer employment and job training, supportive housing programs, permanent housing placement, counseling and case management, and legal services.

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 $25 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 heal the wounds of war, to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to prevent and end homelessness and poverty among veterans.

Our Vision

All veterans will have access to the care and services they need to rebuild their lives.

Our Philosophy

Our model of care is based on the philosophy that the obstacles veterans face — including homelessness, unemployment and disability — are interrelated and require an integrated network of support.

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.

Learn about Health & Wellness

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.

Learn about Housing programs

Financial Stability

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

Learn about Jobs for Vets Learn about Legal Services

OUR 2019 IMPACT

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.

54%

of our clients are racial minorities. 40% are Black veterans.

55%

of our veterans are homeless, on average for 39 months.

56%

are disabled. Many report having more than one disability.

72%

are extremely low-income. 45% earn less than $1,000/month.

OUR IMPACT

Positive impacts
for clients every year

Help 800+ obtain and maintain housing

Place 100+ in jobs

Provide 1,500+ counseling and case management

Secure $20 million+ in disability income

Fund 1,500+ nights of emergency housing

Leadership in the community

Manage 500+ units of affordable housing

Educate 2500+ community professionals

Train 1,000+ 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