Homeward Bound of Marin
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Homeward Bound is the main provider of emergency shelter, supportive housing and services for people overcoming a crisis of homelessness in Marin County, California. Our mission of "opening doors to safety, dignity, hope, and independence," is underscored by a vision that "everyone deserves a place to call home." We offer shelter, housing and supportive housing through 19 residential programs, in addition to an award-winning culinary job training program and an array of successful mission-driven businesses.
- Income
- $36.1 million
- Spending
- $19.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 87%
- Reserves
- -10.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 61%
- Employees
- 177
- Volunteers
- 11
- Highest pay
- $205,603, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (housing, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 47% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 59% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1587% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (housing, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $10.7 million spent. Adult Program Services - Homeward of Marin provides shelter and housing for people overcoming a crisis of homelessness in Marin through residential programs ranging from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing. In the 2024-25 year, Homeward Bound of Marin served 723 adults, including 50 veterans, and 63% transitioned to housing opportunities. There remained a strong demand for the innovative program for adults leaving hospital care without stable housing, resulting in 99 people receiving medical respite services, up almost 14% from the prior year. 224 adults received enhanced care plans with support from the State of Californias CalAIM initiative, which coordinates care more closely with medical providers while using blood pressure checks, nutrition check-ins, and other strategies. Homeward Bound continues to support vulnerable adults in shelter and supportive housing who face food insecurity by preparing and distributing over 16,000 meals a month to ensure their nutrition needs are met. In addition, Homeward Bound has achieved full occupancy for 50 new apartments opened last year. The 24-unit building for veterans and 26 apartments for people working in the community bring Marin County close to ending veteran homelessness and assist more adults to end homelessness in their lives.
- $3.4 million spent. Job Training and Mission-Based Businesses - Homeward Bound offers the only free culinary arts training and job creation program in Marin County. The program specifically is designed to help homeless and low-income individuals overcome barriers to employment. Since 2001, Homeward Bound has helped over 1,000 people launch their careers through the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy. In addition, innovative social enterprise businesses provide a source of income and ongoing skill-building for Fresh Starts graduates and other low-income job seekers. Last year, 77 people built their career prospects through job training and supportive employment at Homeward Bound. An expanded job-training center opened this year, providing more training and job opportunities for people who are exiting homelessness and poverty as they advance toward new careers.
- $2.4 million spent. Family Program Services - Homeward Bound has operated the only shelter in Marin County for homeless families since 1974, along with seven permanent supportive family housing programs. Families continued seeking support last year with a total of 124 parents and 145 children receiving services. Many faced challenges beyond housing needs, including domestic violence, chronic health conditions, and mental health needs. Parents aged 18 to 26 who head a household with children get special attention in a program that served 64 people last year. Families engaged in this program are building lasting resilience, with 84% achieving stable housing and 100% maintaining or increasing income. Overall last year, 89% of families served by Homeward Bound left for housing opportunities.
- Mental Health Services - Homeward Bound offers mental health services in two programs that provide long-term supportive housing. These programs serve individuals with a mental health diagnosis and include partnerships with Marin County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and others. These programs are designed to enhance individual strengths and build self-reliance. With this wraparound support, fully 100% of residents in Homeward Bounds mental health programs maintained stable housing. Many increased their participation in community life with employment, group social activities, and recovery support services.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1984.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
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