Bingo Nights Bring Connection

At Swords to Plowshares, community isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we embody. For many veterans, coming into our space means finding camaraderie with other veterans who understand them. One of those places is Maceo May Apartments, Swords’ permanent supportive housing site on Treasure Island.

Marine Corps veteran, Mike Bartell, started running Bingo in fall of 2024 when a group of veterans asked for a space to play and hang out. Bingo Night has been going strong for over a year and a half now, with a tight-knit group of 10-12 regular attendees and others who drop in from time to time.

Mike says, “It feels good – it gives me something to do and gives the guys something to do, and keeps us going. The players have become very tight.”

For Mike and others, Bingo has become a weekly place for veterans to laugh, share stories, and build friendships that extend beyond Friday night. Air Force veteran, Dom Linsey, comes nearly every week and has become a co-organizer with Mike. For him, he says. “It’s a way to connect. It’s not so much about the prizes; it’s more about communicating with people.”

Occasionally, a bunch of veterans win all at once and people break out into laughter. Sometimes, veterans will joke, “No more wins for you!” Other times, a veteran will bring a friend who later turns into a regular.

Social activities in our housing sites are incredibly powerful - they support a foundation of belonging, which encourages residents to get more involved with their neighbors and maintain connected to their home.

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