Who We Are

Founded in 1974 by veterans, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides needs assessment and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to approximately 3,000 veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area each year.

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.

The meaning of Swords to Plowshares

Founded by six Vietnam veterans, the name was inspired by the Biblical passage (Isaiah 2:4)
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Although the passage is from the Bible, we are not a religiously affiliated organization. Our founders were inspired by the concept, which simply represents the transition from soldier to civilian. Our programs and services support the veteran in this transition.