profiles in success

18th Annual Veterans Day Dinner

Swords is established by six veterans to develop tailored services for discharge upgrades, working with

incarcerated veterans and providing employment, training and educational assistance.

History at a Glance

1974

"My life would have taken a very different turn, if not for the aid and support of community agencies. Instead of moving forward, I likely would have succumbed to depression and isolation."

Vicki Hudson U.S. Army & Army Reserves, 1979 - 2012

Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Max Cleland visits Swords to Plowshares to discuss veteran issues.

History at a Glance

1977

“When you go from the military to civilian life, it's like two different worlds. A lot of veterans end up on the streets... Me, I wandered through the desert for three years.”

William Boehm U.S. Navy, 1967 - 1971

Swords becomes the first organization in 32 years certified by the VA to represent veterans seeking

benefits.

History at a Glance

1978

“I turned to Swords to Plowshares to ask for the one thing that most veterans are afraid to ask for—help.”

Sarah OldridgeU.S. Air Force, 2003 - 2009

History at a Glance

1979

Swords wins one of the first PTSD cases in the country.

“Being out in the world—it’s different. Other vets understand what I’m going through. In Swords’ program I finally felt like I could take care of and deal with things. I am really comfortable here at Swords and making the best of my time here.”

Jonathon LeeU.S. Army, 2001 - 2005

Community-based organizations serving veterans begin to rise up all over the country.

History at a Glance

1980

“Swords to Plowshares helped me out so much, I tell every veteran I know to give them a call. I got the number memorized. 415-252-4788.”

John Page U.S. Air Force, 1970 - 1975

PTSD is finally recognized. Prior to this time it was called “Post-Vietnam Syndrome.”

History at a Glance

1980

“I thought I was okay, but I would snap. I knew I couldn’t keep living the way I was. So I went to Swords. They were awesome and gave me the encouragement I needed. I felt like I had someone on my team.”

Jose Castro U.S. Marine Corps, 2001 - 2005

Michael Blecker becomes the Swords to Plowshares Executive Director.

History at a Glance

1982

“The staff at Swords was there when everybody else turned their backs. When I was in the housing program, they told me that I don’t have to worry anymore — you are home now.”

Mary Rivera U.S. Navy, 1979 - 1988

History at a Glance

1983

The Vietnam Wall is built in DC, giving overdue recognition to the Vietnam veterans.

“I’m comfortable with my life now. In fact, I’m enjoying my life more today than any years before.”

Samuel Bibbens U.S. Army, 1960 - 1963

History at a Glance

1980s

Michael is asked to serve on the Agent Orange Advisory Board.

“Today I have life in my hands.”

Eric Bossett U.S. Navy, 1988 - 1991

History at a Glance

1984

Swords is involved with the Agent Orange Lawsuit, which was finally settled. The Agent Orange Self-Help

Guide was also created at this time.

“A lot of people don’t realize that being in the military is a lifestyle, not just a job.”

Erick Varela U.S. Army, 2002 - 2010

“I knew I had a problem with PTSD. I fought long and hard to get effective treatment from the VA, and I was told to suck it up and be a man. It took me from 1972 until 2006 for the VA to admit that I had PTSD. Swords to Plowshares bent over backwards to help me when all the others would not, providing me with free attorney representation.”

John Wood U.S. Army, 1969 - 1972

History at a Glance

1985

Around the 10-year anniversary of the Vietnam War’s conclusion, Welcome Home Parades began

springing up to honor veterans.

“Beyond the people killed on the battlefield, you have people slowly dying afterward. The people that helped me through my darkest days inspire me to do similar work for other veterans.”

Mike Hofler U.S. Air Force, 2001 - 2005

History at a Glance

1986

Swords establishes the Health and Social Services department thanks to public funding made available

to community-based organizations (CBOs).

"I respect the veterans in the Transitional Housing Program with me because of what they're doing to change their lives. The best thing about Swords’ program is that it was an opportunity to work on myself."

Hobart Leet U.S. Marine Corps, 1978 - 1982

History at a Glance

1988

Swords begins its first housing program and purchases some transitional housing in the

Tenderloin.

“Swords to Plowshares gave me a new start on life. With the help of their program, I was finally ready to change. I got clean and sober after thirty years and reunited with my children. I feel like I have a whole new life.”

Frank Reynolds U.S. Army, 1977 - 1983

History at a Glance

1990

Michael Blecker and other advocates founded the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), prompted the VA to begin contracting with CBO’s.

“Before my deployment to Iraq, I felt like your average proud Marine, but when I got back I was a different person.. Once I faced the truth, I decided to get help.”

Marco Concepcion

U. S. Marine Corps, 2006 - 2010

Alan Nudo U. S. Marine Corps, 2006 -2010

“My best friend, Marco signed me up for a training course at Swords to Plowshares to become an apprentice carpenter. At first I was skeptical, but now I feel lucky .”

History at a Glance

1992

Swords opens DeMontfort Street Transitional Housing Program for chronically homeless and

mentally ill veterans.

"Swords has helped guide me to aid to empower myself to make changes in my life. Here you learn a whole new lifestyle."

Geoff Byrd U.S. Air Force, 2oo1 - 2005

History at a Glance

1990s

Stand downs begin throughout California.Swords to Plowshares was instrumental in planning the first San Francisco Bay Area stand down event.

"I really appreciate the program because it's giving me a future. We get here and it's like a big ol' loving family. It is the best program I have ever been in."

Dan Raridon U.S. Marine Corps, 1981 - 1985

History at a Glance

1995

Swords partners with non-profit veteran service providers to establish the California Association of

Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA).

“I gave Uncle Sam a blank check up to any amount of money, up to my life. I’ve seen a lot of my brothers give their life. And then to come back here, and have to live like that?”

Stephen Hancock U.S. Army, 1967 - 1969

History at a Glance

1996

The Gulf War Self-Help Guide is established by veteran advocates.

“I got into drug addiction after I left the service. I got tired of it finally and it was time to quit. I wanted a better life for myself for what I have left. (Swords to Plowshares) helped me find housing so I could live on my own.”

Rudy Nevarez Vietnam Era Veteran

History at a Glance

2000

Swords opens the Veterans Academy, providing permanent homes for 102 disabled, homeless

veterans on a former Army post at the Presidio.

"Swords is a godsend. my saving grace. They treat you like a whole person, taking in everything and digging in deeper to find the real situation in order to help. They don't just focus on your military service, but also what has happened in your life since then. They help you along the way, and have helped me every time I needed it."

Wendy Barnett U.S. Army Reserves 1979 - 1985

History at a Glance

2000

Swords opens Treasure Island Transitional Supportive Housing Program for 60 veterans with substance

abuse and mental health needs.

"Sept. 11, 2001, represents a dramatic shift in my life. The hardest part of looking back to before that time is taking a look at who I was and then adjusting to who I am now. My life before that day seems like a distant memory, like it belongs to someone else."

Josh Aguilar U.S. Army, 2000 - 2011

History at a Glance

2001

Swords’ Health and Social Services department receives Center for Mental Health Services Homeless

Programs Branch Exemplary Program Award.

"It's like a culture shock returning home, but you are supposed to be used to it. Unless you are in a war, nobody can understand what it's like. And they expect you to just function normally by yourself after that?"

Sean McKeen U.S. Army, 2004 - 2008

History at a Glance

2002

Governor’s report names Swords as one of the best state programs serving the homeless.

“I self-medicated for thirty years. Now I live at Veterans Commons and it is more than my home—it’s a community here. Being able to move in was a miracle that’s given my life new meaning. The people working here will help you with anything. If you’re a vet and you need help, we have a staff to go to, problem solvers, I’m telling you.”

Victor Fleming U.S. Army, 1977 - 1979

History at a Glance

2003

Swords begins to recognize the specific needs of veterans returning from the Iraq War and identifying

opportunities for growth.

"All of us here, we all have some damage, we can all relate. We can have each other's backs again. We can have new lives."

Mark Hedke U.S. Air Force, 1975 - 1980

History at a Glance

2005

Swords establishes the Iraq Veteran Project, now titled Institute for Veteran Policy (IVP), to meet the needs of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq

and Afghanistan.

“One of the biggest benefits I’ve taken from Swords is being around all the different

personalities and counselors who helped me return to a good life, and who played a part in shaping my set of values that have helped me

become successful.”

Richard Warren U.S. Air Force

History at a Glance

2006

IVP begins conducting focus groups to identify gaps in services for military, veterans and families.

“Swords gave me a lot of great services and was there for me in my time of need. Other veterans should know that help is out there when you are ready. You just have to reach out for it.”

Ron Jones U.S. Army, 1977 - 1983

History at a Glance

2008

Swords expands the IVP and begins aggressive outreach to current-era veterans and establishes

policy objectives and research plans.

“Swords to Plowshares’ permanent housing for me and my son made a world of difference for his and my healing. We can move on to deal with more in our lives ... It’s all about living now, not just surviving.”

Kelly Chenot U.S. Army, 1996 - 1998

History at a Glance

2009

Swords expands Employment and Training services to Oakland to better serve the large population of

OIF/OEF veterans in the East Bay region.

“Swords to Plowshares goes the extra mile for people! The services and counseling we received from them put our train back on the track that we needed and

wanted.”

Mario Gomez U.S. Navy, 1996 - 1998

History at a Glance

2009

Swords establishes the Women Veterans Program to address the needs of a growing population of women

veterans.

“Thanks to Swords to Plowshares, I have a stable, great place to raise my kids.

That’s what’s most important to me.”

Theodis Carroll U.S. Army, 1989 - 1992

History at a Glance

2012

Swords opens Veterans Commons providing permanent supportive housing for 75 disabled

and chronically veterans.

“I tried to seek out someone for some help for two years before I found Swords to Plowshares. It’s ridiculous when you have to wait so long for something’s (veterans’ benefits) that you deserve and that’s yours.”

Joshua Christmon U.S. Marine Corps, 2002 - 2005

History at a Glance

2012

Swords opens Chinook Veteran Family Supportive Housing, providing permanent homes for 12 formerly

homeless veteran families.

"Since I got help at Swords to Plowshares I have learned things that I never knew I could do. I now feel like I am a part of something."

Michael Scallions U.S. Army, 1972 - 1976

History at a Glance

2012

Swords launches into the Veteran Employment and Training Collaborative to improve employment outcomes for veterans throughout California.

"I thought being stressed out after war was just something that happened, no big deal. I never realized how complicated it is until I came here."

Ralph Miller U.S. Navy, 1943 - 1946

History at a Glance

2013

Swords expands in the East Bay to offer housing assistance services to veterans and veteran families.

“I know the pain of hitting bottom and now the joy of coming back out on top...”

Eddy Wedertz Sr. U.S. Army, 1972 - 1974

History at a Glance

2013

Swords holds its first Veteran Employment Strategy Summit.

“I never thought I was going to make it...”

Tony Bonini U.S. Marine Corps, 1994 - 1998; U.S. Army Reserves, 1998 - 2004

History at a Glance

2013

Swords expands in the East Bay to offer housing assistance services to veterans and veteran families.

“Not only does Swords to Plowshares provide help for our veterans in need, it also provides a community of people who understand what it means to serve.”

Dottie Guy U.S. Army, 2000 - 2007

History at a Glance

2013

HUD’s Veteran Homeless Point-in-Time count shows a 22% decrease in veteran homelessness in San Francisco, largely thanks to the work of Swords.

“Thanks to the innovative and one-of-a-kind housing programs that Swords to Plowshares has been involved in this year, I can actually see an end to veteran homelessness in this city coming very soon. “

Del Seymour U.S. Army, 1968 - 1970

History at a Glance

2014

Swords opens “Safe Haven” housing project at the Fairfax Hotel.

"Swords to Plowshares had something behind its billboard.”

Caudrey Parker U.S. Navy, 1989 - 2010

History at a Glance

2014

Swords expands housing placement and eviction prevention assistance in San Francisco and East Bay

with Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

“They helped me to the point that in nine months I got a job, transitioned out on my own doing everything I need for me and my family. That was 19 years ago. I'm gratefully indebted to Swords, because that's where everything changed. That's straight from me, from the heart. We're going to do great things."

Randall Flagg U.S. Army, 1983 - 1986

History at a Glance

2014

Swords is operating with a budget of more than $15 million each year and employs nearly 150 employees across seven sites to serve our veteran community.

“Thankfully, with support from my counselor at Swords to Plowshares, I reclaimed my life. My daughter and I left our darkest days behind.”

Alexandra Crichlow U.S. Air Force, 1981 - 1983