Vets Helping Vets since 1974

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We're a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life so that they can achieve health, housing, wellness, and stability.

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 model of care is based on the philosophy that the barriers veterans often encounter - including homelessness and instability - are interrelated and require an integrated network of support.

Our History

FOUNDED BY VIETNAM-ERA VETS

Our Timeline

50 years of fighting for veterans

1974

Swords is established by six Vietnam veterans concerned with the unmet needs of their peers within the community and VA.

Learn more about our founding leader.
1977

Former VA Secretary, Max Cleland, visits Swords.

1978

Swords became the first organization in 32 years certified by the VA to represent veterans seeking benefits.

1979

Encouraged by Swords' advocacy work, Congress established the VA Veteran Centers, which were directly modeled after Swords' community-based inclusive approach to serving veterans.

1979

Swords wins one of the first PTSD cases in the country.

1980

Swords became a significant player in Agent Orange justice work. Michael Blecker served on the Agent Orange Advisory Board, and Swords attorneys developed the Agent Orange Self-Help Guide, which still helps veterans today access lifesaving health.

1985

10 years after the end of the Vietnam War, "Welcome Home" parades began springing up to honor veterans.

1988

Swords began its first transitional housing program with the purchase of a housing site to operate out of in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.

1990

Michael Blecker and other advocates founded the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV).

Learn more about NCHV.
1990

Stand Downs are organized throughout California, enabling groups like Swords to connect with unhoused veterans and provide a multitude of services in one place with other veterans organizations.

1995

Swords and four California organizations founded the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies to improve services for California's veterans and educate our communities.

1997

Veteran activists and advocates exposed the military's knowledge of toxic exposure. At the same time, Swords created the Gulf War Self-Help Guide to enable impacted veterans with the tools to access care they deserve.

2000

Swords opened the country's first veteran-specific permanent supportive housing site. Located in the Presidio, the buildings were renovated from Army barracks to hold 108 units for unhoused veterans living with disabilities and PTSD.

2000

Swords' Treasure Island Transitional Housing Program launched as a first step to recovery for hundreds of veterans, and ignited our work to transform Treasure Island from a retired military base to an environment where veterans could heal from their military experiences.

2005

Responding to the needs of Post-9/11 veterans, Swords established a Policy department tasked with increasing awareness of the diversity, experiences, and stereotypes that are connected to the veteran population in the United States.

2008

Swords developed the Combat to Community training to educate service professionals and other advocates on how to better interact with veterans needing assistance. This training enhances awareness of the unique lived experiences of veterans navigating their return to civilian life. Learn more here.

2009

Swords expanded in the East Bay to offer housing assistance services to veterans and veteran families.

2010

Swords launched its Veterans Pro Bono Program, connecting veterans with free and necessary legal support.

2012

Swords expanded its permanent supportive housing program with the opening of another housing site, Veterans Commons, and converting more transitional housing units on Treasure Island.

2012

Former Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis, visits Swords.

2014

Swords continued expanding housing for veterans with a new site in downtown San Francisco, holding 130 studio apartments, and opening a low barrier stabilization program.

2016

Swords launched a national effort to advocate for inclusion of veterans with "bad paper" to gain access to VA healthcare and benefits.

2016

Michael Blecker was appointed by Speaker Pelosi to serve on the Commission on Care to examine the current and future state of the Veterans Health Administration.

2020

In collaboration with Chinatown Community Development Center, Swords opened Edwin M. Lee Apartments for 62 veterans and 56 families.

2021

Swords & NextGen Policy successfully advocated for a pilot program to improve housing stability for aging and formerly homeless veterans in California. The pilot allocated $25 million dollars from the state to support a higher level of services for veterans over the age of 55 with high-acuity and who reside in permanent housing sites across California.

2023

Swords opened the Veterans Community Center, a unique space with extended hours of operation for veterans to connect over meals, attend regular support groups, and access resources at their own pace.

2024

Michael Blecker is honored by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as her guest at the 2024 State of the Union address, commemorating Michael's lifelong commitment to veterans and decades of collaboration between the Congresswoman and Swords.

2024

Michael Blecker steps down after 45 years, and Tramecia Garner becomes executive director. With more than a decade of dedicated service at Swords, Tramecia has advanced through key roles and knows the organization inside and out.

Read her story.
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 Impact

LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY

Our work is constantly evolving and adapting to address the emerging needs of generations of veterans.

500+

units of affordable housing managed

1000+

community professionals educated

2,500+

attorneys trained in VA law annually

Countless

hours advocating for veterans' fair share of resources

Local, state, and national

coalitions led with a focus on solutions

Our Leadership & Financials

Accountability & Transparency

For over 50 years, Swords to Plowshares has been guided by dedicated leaders and trusted as an excellent steward of public and private funds. Thanks to our strong team, diverse funding streams, and generous donors, we continue to serve veterans from all walks of life with the highest level of care and accountability.

Have any questions?

Send us a message, and we'll get back to you within 2 business days.