Homeward Bound is a transitional housing program for families (with children) that are homeless and victims of domestic violence in Phoenix, Arizona. Homeward Bound was brought to The Make Sense Foundation® by our SeneSister, Nancy Mavrides! (photo above: Tom and Nancy Mavrides).

Homeward Bound now owns and operates 162 housing units, which house as many as 595 people, more than 400 of whom are children. In 2000, Homeward Bound opened The Thunderbirds Family Village, a five-acre, secured campus that contains 80 two-bedroom housing units. This housing focuses on younger mothers and their children who have been victimized by domestic violence and homelessness. In addition to The Thunderbirds Family Village, 82 families participate in Homeward Bound’s scattered-site transitional housing program.

Homeward Bound assists families with “a hand up, not a handout.” Each family participating in the program contributes 30 percent of their adjusted gross income for housing, utilities, and support services. In addition to transitional housing, Homeward Bound provides a 24-month comprehensive social services program including case management, mental health services, employment services, life skills programs and affordable and accessible childcare. Since its inception in 1990, thousands of children and their families have graduated from the Homeward Bound program and have become self-sufficient, contributing members of society.

Homeward Bound was a 1993 recipient of the President’s Volunteer Action Award, chosen the Board of Directors of the Points of Light Foundation from 4,200 applicants. The award, presented by President Bill Clinton at the White House, was given in recognition of the agency’s unique and effective use of the Family Sponsor Program.