NEWS

From Ship to Shore - A Sailor's Journey in Helping Others

Joel Champion serves as a Property Manager and a Navy veteran to build strong relationships and stronger lives for veteran residents.

January 30, 2020

Vietnam-Era Veteran on New Career Serving Others

Joe Bugental calls his new job a "�Brave New World."� As he embarks on his "�fourth career,"� Joe speaks with us about his trajectory and life currently.

March 21, 2017

Sarah Edwards

Receiving a Nutritious Meal is One Less Worry for this Homeless Veteran

Air Force veteran finds the services at Swords to Plowshares for housing and food with the help of our community partners.

July 1, 2019

Back on the Right Beat, Veteran Gives Back through Music

Winston got his life back on track after personal and medical setbacks to find purpose in playing music for the community.

July 3, 2019

Staff Spotlight: Get to Know Our Community Organizer

Bilal organizes activities for veteran residents like bowling, fishing, karaoke, bingo, meals, and sporting events to get veterans active in the community.

June 25, 2019

Veteran: A Word That Means a Lot, and More Than You Think

Across the country, veterans make up less than 7% of the general population but 12% of the nation's homeless population. How we define veterans matters though.

Bill Brockett Award Goes to Chris Carlberg for His Service to Swords

Christopher Carlberg received the Bill Brockett Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award for his outstanding service to Swords to Plowshares and veterans.

September 19, 2014

Desire to Serve Vets is Both Professional and Personal

"From my point of view, this is the greatest crisis facing us as a nation" the neglect of our veteran population is shameful, and something everyone should be engaging on."

February 23, 2016

Jack McCloskey: Remembering a Veteran Leader

Author Mary Ciofalo's book Redemption Stories: Unwasted Pain recounts the life of Jack McCloskey, a community leader after his service in the Vietnam War.

November 5, 2014

Tenderloin Tours Bridge Gaps in Community, Tech Industry

"The goal is for people to get a completely different understanding of the Tenderloin, and realize that there are some good things and some bad things."

December 23, 2015

Community Spotlight

Get to know the supporters, staff, and partners who power our mission.

Swords Visits the State Capitol

Swords to Plowshares, along with other CAVSA members from U.S. VETS and Veterans Village of San Diego, educated lawmakers on the current issues facing California veterans and advocated for needed investments to end homelessness among veterans.

Published on

August 28, 2025

5 min read

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Standing with USNS Harvey Milk

June 24, 2025

Observing Military Spouse Appreciation Day

May 9, 2025

Celebrating Women's History Month

March 4, 2025

Veterans Justice Reception Honors Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Pro Bono Partners

October 2, 2024

Meet Michaela Rhone, Community Case Specialist

During Black History Month, we’re proud to highlight the experiences of our Black and African American community members who demonstrate a commitment to our mission. Get to know Community Case Specialist, Michaela Rhone.

Meet Jerri Lee Young, Clinical Director for Residential Programs

September 18, 2023

Jobs for Vets Participates in 11th Annual San Francisco Reentry Conference

September 13, 2023

The Lasting Impact of Legacy Giving: Vietnam Veteran Makes His Case

August 25, 2023

Meet Reuben Kessler, SSVF Program Coordinator

June 23, 2023

Meet Stephen Chen, Swords Director of Finance

May 23, 2023

Celebrating Black History Month 2023

February 1, 2023

Get to Know Swords Legal Director Mo Siedor

June 29, 2022

Start a Career with an Innovative Car Manufacturing Company

We have partnered with a leading automotive company for a veteran-only hiring event. This company is hiring Material Handlers and Production Associates for its factory in Fremont.

May 10, 2017

Veterans Sought for Careers in the Biotech Industry

We are partnering with Genentech and Genomic Health to lead a veterans-only recruitment program for entry level lab technician positions.

June 18, 2017

Staff Spotlight: Grant Hower

Grant Hower brings his experience from the military and transition to civilian life to serve his fellow veterans. He exemplifies our "vets helping vets" model.

August 10, 2018

Q & A with Ellen Leslie, Soprano Soloist for the Summer Symphony Concert

Ellen Leslie, accomplished soprano soloist and two-time winner of Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions, is featured at our 2019 Summer Solstice Symphony Concert.

June 18, 2019

Swords to Plowshares Proud to March with our LGBTQ+ Veterans

Swords to Plowshares represents and serves all veterans regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation,etc. and proud to march in solidarity.

July 3, 2019

Veteran Champion, Gordon P. Erspamer's Living Memory Fund

Life-long veteran advocate, Gordon "�Gordy"� P. Erspamer, was recently diagnosed with inoperable Glioblastoma, one of the most deadly forms of brain cancer.

Colleen Corliss

Q & A with Jeff LaDeur, Soloist for Summer Solstice Symphony Concert

Jeffrey LaDeur is an accomplished piano soloist and chamber musician who is bringing his talents to our 2018 Summer Solstice Symphony Concert on June 19.

May 15, 2018

ABA and Swords to Plowshares Celebrate National Pro Bono Week

American Bar Association (ABA) is celebrating National Pro Bono Week and ABA launched the Veterans Legal Service Initiative as part of this year's celebration.

October 24, 2016

Pro Bono Spotlight: Lenard Weiss of Manatt

Lenard Weiss, a partner at Manatt, has advocated on behalf of 11 veterans since 2013 as a pro bono attorney in Swords' Pro Bono Program.

July 30, 2018

CathyWong

Army Vet Turned Attorney Helps Clients Navigate the System

Now armed with an BS in Criminal Justice from Arizona State and a law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, Devin Bissman is an Equal Justice Works Fellow at Swords to Plowshares to serve underrepresented veterans and help them procure benefits and care.

Pro Bono Spotlight: Chessie Thacher of Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP

For summer 2017, we are pleased to spotlight Chessie Thacher for her outstanding service to veterans as a volunteer attorney as part of our Pro Bono Program.

June 26, 2017

22nd Veterans Day Dinner Recap

Thank you for your generous support of Swords to Plowshares' mission and our 22nd Annual Veterans Day Dinner and Profiles of Courage Awards!

January 28, 2019

Q&A with Conductor & Philanthropist Paul Schrage

Summer Solstice Summer Concert is on June 19 with Paul Schrage and Symphonia Caritas. Paul is an orchestral conductor, concert pianist, and musical director.

March 28, 2018

Swords to Plowshares Supports the East Bay Stand Down

East Bay Stand Down serves veterans with needs, based on the practice of removing combat troops from the field and taking care of their basic needs in a safe area.

September 22, 2016

Announcements

Updates on our programs, events, and community initiatives.

We Celebrated Veterans Day 2025!

Leaders, supporters, and veterans gathered to honor the strength and resilience of veterans while raising vital funds for direct services.

Published on

November 13, 2025

5 min read

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Veterans Connect puts Community First

A one-day event where over 150 veterans connected with housing, jobs, healthcare, and community support.

July 30, 2025

Join Swords' Board of Directors in August

July 11, 2025

An Update on Our Work to Support Veteran Residents

March 28, 2025

An Update on Federal Funding

January 30, 2025

Introducing Tramecia Garner, Executive Director

October 15, 2024

Advancing Our Support for Aging Veterans

October 27, 2023

Exciting News: Veterans Equine Therapy Program Starts April 1st

March 20, 2024

Swords to Plowshares and Partners File Lawsuit to Compel VA to Amend its Character of Discharge Regulations

October 24, 2023

Celebrating the Grand Opening of Maceo May Apartments

May 22, 2023

Celebrating the Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community

April 27, 2023

Veterans Community Center Opens

April 19, 2023

Elevators are running at Veterans Academy

September 29, 2022

Transitioning into the “new normal” after 2020’s shelter-in-place

Even when most agencies and businesses shut their doors, Swords to Plowshares remained open to veterans we serve day-to-day.

April 13, 2021

The CARES Act and Charitable Giving in 2020

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

December 9, 2020

San Francisco Beats Goal of Housing 100 Homeless Veterans

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that San Francisco housed 110 chronically homeless veterans in the last 100 days.

October 10, 2013

Swords to Plowshares' Comment to Support Transgender Veterans

The VA should provide comprehensive healthcare to LGBTQ+ veterans to include transition-related care to transgender veterans.

August 29, 2018

Paula Satariano

VA's Government Shutdown Field Guide: Impact on Veterans

Claims and processing of payments for compensation, pension, education and vocational rehabilitation benefits are anticipated to continue through late October.

Colleen Corliss

Seth Neulight Named Bill Brockett Pro Bono Attorney of the Year

Seth Neulight, a partner in the San Francisco Office of Nixon Peabody LLP, will receive the Bill Brockett Pro Bono Award for his outstanding work with veterans.

September 18, 2017

Mike Lodge Named Bill Brockett Pro Bono Attorney of the Year

Mike Lodge, senior counsel at Chevron, was recognized for his outstanding volunteer legal work with veterans in Swords to Plowshares' Veterans Pro Bono Program.

September 25, 2018

Home Depot Foundation Supports the Fairfax

The Home Depot Foundation awarded Swords to Plowshares $155,240 to build out community space at the Fairfax for formerly chronically homeless veterans.

August 24, 2018

Bad Paper: Protect Veterans from Unjust Discharges

Sign the petition for Congress to review and change the military discharge process to ensure that veterans receive fair discharges to receive proper benefits.

May 16, 2014

District 2 Supervisor Honors Veterans for Black History Month

Supervisor Catherine Stefani honored four formerly homeless veterans who live at our Veterans Academy and two staff members.

February 28, 2019

Free Muni Service Available For Veterans with Disabilities

Low-to-moderate income residents of San Francisco with qualifying disabilities to gain free access to Muni services when using a Clipper card.

July 26, 2017

Hygiene Essentials Keep Veterans Clean and Healthy

Hygiene products go a long way to improve self-sufficiency and dignity. Please consider purchasing items on our Dollar Days wish list for our veteran clients.

July 18, 2018

Amanda Allen

Home Depot Foundation Supports Housing for Homeless Veterans

A recent grant of $155,240 from the Home Depot Foundation supports our mission serving homeless veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area.

September 15, 2017

Join Us: Support the Dignity Fund

The Dignity Fund proposes 2% set-aside fund from property taxes for providing services for seniors, adults and veterans with disabilities.

July 27, 2016

Raiders Foundation Honors Swords to Plowshares

We commend the Oakland Raiders and Raiders Foundation for recognizing the efforts of our veterans outreach staff and the overall work of our organization.

September 2, 2016

Maceo May - Swords to Plowshares Veterans Advocate - Passes

Maceo May advocated for homeless military veterans in the 1980s and '90s and led to more housing for the needy and a better understanding of PTSD. He passed away at 67.

January 21, 2014

Farewell to Steve Robinson, Veteran Advocate

Steve Robinson's legacy for us to carry forward: to stand side-by-side and continue to improve systems of care and serve our veterans in his memory.

June 17, 2014

New Group to Launch Campaign to Save VA Healthcare

The April 13 Forum highlights key speakers, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other veteran healthcare experts.

April 10, 2017

Swords to Plowshares Associate Wins Local & National Awards

Swords to Plowshares congratulates its own Kevin Miller for being named both California Local Leader and National Leadership Award winner by Americorps Alums.

September 9, 2014

Briefings

Insights on issues, services, and perspectives that shape veterans’ lives.

Program Spotlight: Building Financial Stability

Published on

October 8, 2025

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Surging into Community

“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach

August 28, 2025

Mental Health Programming Expands for California Veterans

March 28, 2025

Swords Condemns the SCOTUS Ruling of Grants Pass v. Johnson

July 25, 2024

Ten Years Since the Repeal, the Defense Department Has Yet to Right the Wrongs of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

September 27, 2021

From the Streets to Housing: Helping Veterans Stay Safe & Shelter in Place

Our essential staff is on the frontlines as Swords expands capacity to meet the needs of our community. We ensure health and safety of at-risk veterans.

May 27, 2020

MST, PTSD and Domestic Violence Often Begin Before Service

More than half of female veterans experienced some type of trauma or abuse before joining the military and, as a result, were at risk of repeated violence.

"Bad Paper" Does Not Define the Veteran

'Bad paper' discharges are often for minor infractions of military rules or behavior linked to the stresses of service, PTSD, TBI, and those symptoms.

November 21, 2013

Forever GI Bill Passes Congress, Awaits President's Signature

Swords to Plowshares supports the passage of the Harry W. Colmery Education Assistance Act of 2017 and commends the bipartisan efforts to pass this bill.

August 7, 2017

What Do Veterans Need in the GI Bill?

To improve the GI Bill, we propose recommendations that come straight from the voices of student veterans. We believe these elicit better outcomes for veterans.

July 11, 2017

Megan Klein Zottarelli

Domestic Violence in the Veteran Community: What Providers Should Know

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Veterans with PTSD have more family violence and instances of violence against a partner than veterans without.

The Newly Passed VA Access to Care Act is a Mixed Bag

The VA bill is a series of half measures and risky "�reforms' that do little to address the capacity of the VA to deliver earned healthcare and benefits.

Amy Fairweather

Jobs Bill Masquerades as Support for Veterans

The proposed bill, Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, does little to help veterans but instead a political tool to undermine the Affordable Care Act.

The Worst Homecoming: Deportation of Veterans Born Abroad

Non-native born veterans' endure a "�double punishment"�: they are kept in the U.S. to serve prison time after a crime, then deported and told never to return.