Initially named the Marin Housing Center, the agency opened its first shelter, which could house four families, in 1974. It also started a winter shelter in a 5,000-square foot tent that rotated through various cities for many years.

"New Beginnings Center", which opened in 2000 with help from myriad Marin businesses, government and service agencies, schools and community groups and operated by the Homeward Bound of Marin (HBOM), provided an 80-bed shelter for single homeless adults, job-training facilities and on-site jobs for homeless individuals. In November 2008, another shelter, named "The Next Key Center" opened with 32 affordable studio apartments.

Apart from emergency shelters, HBOM also offers transitional and affordable permanent housing for homeless adults, assists struggling veterans find permanent housing, operates a family resource center and implementa a mental health services program that provides both short- and long-term assisted housing and support.

Homeward Bound's job-training program includes the "Fresh Starts Culinary Academy", which is designed to prepare participants for jobs in the busy culinary industry.

Homeward Bound of Marin's mission is to address and solve the homelessness problem in Marin County.

Homeward Bound of Marin operates 12 programs for homeless men, women and children, offering more than 400 beds per night and serving approximately 1,400 people each year.

In the year 2009-2010, Homeward Bound was able to provide shelter and services to a total of 1,466 homeless people.

Of the single adults who completed the New Beginnings Center program, 84% moved into housing. Furthermore, 95% of the families served graduated from the programs into housing.