The Homeward Bound program is designed to help reunite people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco with family and friends willing and able to offer ongoing support to end the cycle of homelessness. Through the Homeward Bound Program, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing can provide you with a bus ticket home if you:
- are homeless/low income and living in San Francisco; and
- have family or friends at the destination that Homeward Bound staff can verify as willing and able to provide you a place to stay and ongoing support; and
- are medically stable enough to travel unassisted to the destination; and
- are sober and able to abstain from alcohol or using other substances en route.
You may not travel with a pet. An exception may be made for a certified service animal (by Greyhound bus only).
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Response, we are working remotely and are accepting program referrals through the online form below.
For information about Homeward Bound in other languages, please visit:
Homeward Bound Testimonial:
Tanya* a mother escaping domestic violence with two young children came to San Francisco seeking a better life. She and her children spent five months at the Hamilton Family Shelter. Overwhelmed and struggling, she reached out to her mother in Georgia, who in turn contacted Homeward Bound for help. In a matter of days, Homeward Bound was able to get Tanya and her children safely on a Greyhound bus home to Georgia. Tanya called her Homeward Bound case manager from every state until she was reunited with her grateful mother. Once a client is reunited with friends, family or loved ones, Homeward Bound follows-up with phone calls and outreach.
*an alias to protect client privacy
This form is open to anyone. If you need assistance with filling it out, or have questions, you can call or visit any of the Access Points listed here.