Veteran Robert B. Works for Vets in Crisis

Robert B. enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 22, he says, because “I was floundering in life.” He trained as an electrician and later parlayed those skills into a 30-year career in construction.

When the building industry faltered in the economic recession, he found himself floundering again with employment shrinking and alcohol taking control. He drifted between the streets of San Rafael and staying with friends for almost five years.

“Unbeknownst to me, my four years on an aircraft carrier turned out to be very valuable,” he says. Robert became a resident at New Beginnings Center, where Homeward Bound of Marin reserves 16 beds for homeless veterans in a partnership with the Veterans Administration.

At New Beginnings, he continued his commitment to sobriety and applied for a housing voucher through the HUD-VASH program that targets homeless veterans. He moved to his own apartment last year.

Robert, who was recently married and lives in Novato, now has joined the staff at Homeward Bound of Marin as a Housing Case Manager, dedicated to helping others in our programs find a place in the community. He worked several months on call as a counselor to fill in for staff members on vacation and loved supporting people moving from crisis to stability.

As Homeward Bound integrates "housing first" shelter strategies, Robert says he's excited to join a team that can make a different for others like him.

"I was always better at teaching construction and mentoring team members than the actual carpentry," Robert says. "The changes happening toward housing are going to be amazing for people. I'm happy to be part of that."

“I can’t begin to tell you how good my life is now,” he adds. “I wouldn’t be where I am without Homeward Bound and help from their veterans' services. It’s good to be back into life again.”