HOMEWARD BOUND DEBUTS VET HOUSING

On June 13, more than 200 people gathered with local leaders, community partners, donors and volunteers to cut the ribbon on Puett Place, a new veterans housing community by Homeward Bound of Marin. When fully occupied, the supportive housing community could represent the end of veteran homelessness in Marin County, local leaders said. “Ending veteran homelessness has been a dream and a mission for our community partners for the last seven years. Achieving this milestone will be a dream come true,” said Mary Kay Sweeney, co-CEO at Homeward Bound of Marin. The event celebrated the myriad partners and supporters at local, state and federal levels who worked hand-in-hand to bring these 24 new units to life. Preparations for the event got a boost from the Rotary clubs of Marin, which marshaled dozens of volunteers for a two-day blitz of unboxing items, filling shelves and making up rooms for new residents. Eligible veterans have been touring the one-bedroom units and could begin moving into their new homes in August. The grand opening comes as Homeward Bound of Marin celebrates its 50th anniversary with plans to create 50 new homes by year-end. Crews already have begun framing an additional 26 apartments for an adjacent building to provide permanent housing for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. To help launch the veterans housing community, tax-deductible gifts can be made at hbofm.org/donate toward meals and community activities for the first year. Learn more about Homeward Bound of Marin programs at hbofm.org.