Swords to Plowshares San Francisco Service Center

Swords to Plowshares San Francisco Service Center is a veteran-focused behavioral health and substance use support program in San Francisco, California, offering free mental health counseling, peer support and wraparound services.

Located on Howard Street, this Veterans Center serves veterans across the Greater Bay Area regardless of discharge status or VA eligibility.

Founded in 1974 by Vietnam-era veterans, the organization follows a "vets helping vets" model centered on whole-person stabilization.

Veteran Behavioral Health Programs and Services

Care begins with contact or walk-in access, followed by a needs assessment and enrollment in the program that best matches each veteran's situation.

From there, veterans can access mental health counseling, co-occurring disorder support, peer support groups and case management.

Counseling is available both in person and via telehealth, alongside assessments, alternative therapies, wellness education and health screenings.

The center also connects veterans to housing assistance, legal help, employment support and benefits navigation to address the full range of recovery and reintegration needs.

Quick Facts About Swords to Plowshares

• Location: 1060 Howard Street in San Francisco, between 6th and 7th Streets
• Services: Mental health counseling, peer support, co-occurring disorder support and case management
• Who they serve: Veterans in the Bay Area, including homeless, Latina/o/x and LGBTQ veterans, regardless of discharge status
• Approach: Whole-person, veteran centered wraparound care with peer connection
• Cost: Free for eligible veterans; currently accepting new members
• Amenities: Third-floor community space, hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing closet and clinics
• Access: Extended evening and Saturday hours, telehealth options and well-behaved dogs welcome

Getting Care with Swords

Veterans can begin by phone, online form or walk-in at the Swords to Plowshares San Francisco Service Center, where staff complete a needs assessment and connect each person to the right support.

The intake team can explain available programs, eligibility and the no-cost services offered to Bay Area veterans.