Homeward Bound's Family Services Program operates primarily out of two centers: the 13-room Family Emergency Center and the 9-room Family Resource Center. We also offer four Transitional and permanent housing programs for families.
The experience of being homeless has a traumatizing effect on both adults and children. Our Family Services Program creates an environment where trauma is neutralized and consistent support is provided.
Counselors organize educational and fun activities for children, such as a Teen Activity Group for weekly outings and a weekend photography workshop, that enrich their lives and give them a sense of community. Families create action plans that might include improving parenting skills, finding consistent child care, accessing health care, counseling, job training and securing housing.
The "front door" of our Family Services Program, the Family Emergency Center or FEC provides short-term, emergency housing for 13 families at a local motel. Residents may stay up to six months before moving to transitional housing,
In a collaboration with Head Start, families with children under 5 years old have access to consistent, caring child care on site.
Also located at the FEC is School Bound, our one-room schoolhouse that serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Homeward Bound rejoices in the success of children enrolled in these programs, which are designed to ensure that they integrate into the public school system and maintain their education with minimal disruption. At the close of the last four school years, all of our children have progressed to the next grade!
737 E. Francisco Boulevard
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-454-7418
The next step for families in our Family Services Program is the Family Resource Center, a 25-bed transitional home where residents may stay up to two years.
Families in this program receive comprehensive support that includes parenting classes, job training and job search support, child care, credit cleanup, money management instruction, access to health care, counseling, support for substance abuse recovery, and other services. Children at this center have a play space created by the Bright Horizons Foundation, access to homework help and enjoy staff-led enrichment activities.
430 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-457-2115
Transitional and Permanent Housing for Families
Because affordable housing options are limited, Homeward Bound has extended its options for families in transition. While at these sites, families continue to receive support services that may include nutrition coaching and help with meal planning, counseling, job training and job retention support, and credit repair or money management classes. Our programs include:
Meadow Park -- Located in the Hamilton area of Novato, Meadow Park is a community of 60 affordable housing units for families. Four of these units are reserved for families transitioning from Homeward Bound's Family Services Program. An on-site counselor gives them the support they need to maintain stable housing.
Family Park -- Located at two sites in San Rafael, Family Park provides transitional housing to eight Marin families.
San Clemente Family Village - In partnership with EAH Housing, the developer of San Clemente Family Village, Homeward Bound provides services to four formerly homeless families at this site in Corte Madera.
Fireside Apartments - A collaboration with Eden Housing, which develops and manages affordable housing throughout California, the Fireside project offers 10 units of permanent supportive housing for families exiting Homeward Bound's programs. Residents receive ongoing services from on-site Homeward Bound staff.
