Veterans Receive Housing and Supportive Services Through Program Partnerships

Felton leads in finding solutions. Our unwavering dedication to serving vulnerable and under-served populations is exemplified in our newest housing programs that serve the unsheltered community of San Francisco. Partnering with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), Harbor Haven Supportive Housing and Harbor Haven Supportive Housing for Veterans provide scattered site housing units with shared and/or single occupancy bedrooms. The programs meet clients where they’re at and provide individualized support. Harbor Haven Lead Case Manager, Dominique Brooks said of her clients, “Each person has a unique story. What I’ve learned over time is that their challenges require compassion, understanding and multifaceted support.”

Harbor Haven Supportive Housing and Harbor Haven Supportive Housing for Veterans supports clients by developing and conducting specialized programs to promote self-efficacy and independence such as job skills training, financial planning, and more, relative to the needs of the residents. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, the programs also connect residents to services such as mental health support and other resources, among other services. “We empower them”, Felton’s Director of Operations, Lynn Trinh Vaino, explained, “We support them by connecting them to services so that they can better themselves and be able to get the support they need and the help they need.” Ms. Brooks added, “We come up with goals and ensure that they’re accomplishing those goals.”

Though the programs are new, clients have already begun having successful outcomes. One client, a Bayview native who used to coach at a local high school, initially came to the program seeking housing. However, with Harbor Haven’s Supportive Housing’s multi-faceted support, he’s been connecting with programs and services that will provide long-term stability, such as a financial literacy workshop. Ms. Brooks explained, “He feels confident that he’s back on track for life, thriving again,” though he initially shared that he was struggling with drugs. Touting the efficacy of the program she shared, “But now that he’s in the program, his focus has changed. He’s especially happy to secure permanent housing within the Bayview communities. It allows him to reconnect with family and friends.” Harbor Haven empowers their clients to make positive changes in their lives and provides stability. Michael, another client with the program credits Harbor Haven for providing support and compassion. “My life started to change for the better,” he explained “and I started to take better care of myself and my health.”

Harbor Haven Supportive Housing and Harbor Haven Supportive Housing for Veterans provide a lifeline and support to those struggling. The programs go beyond securing housing for unsheltered individuals. They connect clients to programs and services that promote independence and stability so that they may flourish. But just as importantly, they give clients hope. Ms. Trinh Vaino said, “These programs give clients hope that they’re able to succeed and be independent again.”

If you would like to know more about Felton Institute’s Harbor Haven Supportive Housing and Harbor Haven Supportive Housing for Veterans, please visit our program pages, or contact Harbor Haven Program Manager, Thomas Taylor, by emailing ttaylor@felton.org, or calling (415) 867-3064.

Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.

Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.

We know what it looks like to successfully build community.

We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.

Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.

Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.