Homeward Bound of Marin Receives $30,000 Grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

Ramsay Brown, Commercial Banking Officer, Bank of Marin, delivers the FHLB grant check to Homeward Bound Executive Director Mary Kay Sweeney, and Wagster Treats bakers Greg and Delaina.

NOVATO, CA – (September 18, 2017) – Homeward Bound of Marin has been awarded a grant in the amount of $30,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s (FHLBSF) Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) program. Bank of Marin, a member of FHLBSF, submitted the application on behalf of the organization.

AHEAD grants provide funding for targeted economic development projects and non-AHP-eligible housing initiatives that create benefits for low- and moderate-income communities. Homeward Bound will direct the funding toward social enterprise and nonprofit job training through its Wagster Treats products, all-natural dog treats baked in the kitchens of Homeward Bound by graduates of their Fresh Starts Culinary Academy. One hundred percent of the proceeds from Wagster Treats support nonprofit job training programs.

“We are thrilled to receive this FHLB grant through our long-time community sponsor, Bank of Marin,” said Mary Kay Sweeney, Executive Director of Homeward Bound. “The grant will be a critical component to creating viable employment and training opportunities in our expanding social enterprise, Wagster Treats.  Giving people a chance to create a pathway through meaningful employment is a key to ending homelessness.”

“Bank of Marin has been a longtime supporter of Homeward Bound.  The special work that they do to provide shelter and services to families and individuals in Marin helps end homelessness in the County,” said Russell A. Colombo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Marin.  “We are very pleased to see their efforts rewarded with this FHLB grant. It is well-deserved.”

About Homeward Bound of Marin

Founded in 1974, Homeward Bound is the main provider of residential and support services for people experiencing homelessness in Marin County, California, including youth, veterans, and individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues. A vision that “everybody needs a place to call home” underlies the agency’s mission of “opening doors to safety, dignity, hope and independence.”