As the saying goes, “two is better than one.” But in Marin County, 17 is outstanding! That’s because all 17 clubs in Marin recently joined forces with Homeward Bound of Marin to combat veteran homelessness.
Our Marin Rotary Clubs have joined forces to support the “fund a room” initiative at Homeward Bound’s new 24-apartment complex in Novato. This housing facility is being built specifically for unhoused veterans. For every $25,000 donated, Homeward Bound will name one of the apartments after the donor. What started as one Rotarian’s idea to raise Rotary’s visibility in the community soon grew in popularity across clubs and their club presidents.
“I am extremely proud of the support and camaraderie of our Rotarians and clubs. We exceeded our $25,000 goal and were able to donate more than $50,000,” said Sylvia Barry, Assistant Governor.
Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael), Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan, Marin County Veterans Service Officer Sean Stephens, and Homeward Bound CEO Mary Kay Sweeney were on hand in Novato to share their support of the project.
“This significant and timely project marks a milestone for our community,’ says Mary Kay Sweeney, Co-Chief Executive Officer for Homeward Bound, which has served veterans for nearly 50 years. “Ending veteran homelessness is a goal that we have all been working toward because it’s absolutely the right thing to do.”
In true Service Above Self spirit, several Rotarians (all leaders of Marin clubs) asked how they can help. There are already tentative plans to do a hands-on project together before Veterans move into the apartments.
Hats off to ALL clubs in Marin for their amazing collaboration on this project!See media coverage: Giving Marin (Marin Independent Journal); North Bay Business Journal
Photo: Leaders from the Rotary Clubs of Novato, Novato Sunrise, Ignacio, and Marin Evening stand with 2022-23 District Governor Gary Chow, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, County Supervisor Eric Lucan, and Homeward Bound of Marin CEO Mary Kay Sweeney.
Do you have an example of a multi-club service project that you want to share on the District 5150 blog or in the District 5150 newsletter? We want to highlight examples of collaboration among clubs in a new series, “Connect & Collaborate.” Please submit your collaborative details and photos to publicimage@rotary5150.org.