Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound is a transformative housing initiative under Do Good On Purpose. It provides individuals experiencing homelessness with a clear pathway to tiny home ownership through the HumanKind Helps program, where participants earn Mortgage Credit Hours by volunteering, building financial stability, and achieving personal growth milestones.

Homeward Bound works through the HumanKind Helps pathway, guiding participants step by step from crisis to homeownership.

The journey begins with safe housing at the From Here Onward Homeless Shelter, then progresses to pod housing in Starter Village, where participants commit to 10–15 hours of weekly volunteer service.

From there, they move into a tiny home in the Good Samaritan Village, increasing service to 10–18 hours per week while completing milestone trainings in financial literacy and life skills.

U.S. Veterans follow a dedicated track into the Permanent Party Village. By completing at least 1,500 Mortgage Credit Hours and program milestones, participants earn the opportunity to receive the deed to their own tiny home, creating lasting stability and independence.

Homeward Bound is a structured housing pathway under Do Good On Purpose that moves participants from homelessness to homeownership through the HumanKind Helps program.

The process begins with emergency shelter at the From Here Onward Homeless Shelter, transitions to pod housing in the Starter Village, and advances to tiny homes in the Good Samaritan Village.

Veterans enter the dedicated Permanent Party Village track.

Along the way, participants log Mortgage Credit Hours through volunteer service, complete life-skills and financial trainings, and meet milestone goals.

Once they reach 1,500 hours and program requirements, they become eligible to receive the deed to their own tiny home.

Participants must complete 2,000 hours of community service, which equates to 10-18 hours per week over 2 years (50 weeks per year).

Participants in Homeward Bound earn Mortgage Credit Hours by completing approved community-based volunteer service.

These tasks are designed to benefit the local community while building responsibility and purpose for the participant.

Examples include helping at food distribution sites, supporting local nonprofits, assisting with community clean-up projects, maintaining program facilities, or mentoring peers.

All volunteer service must be pre-approved and supervised to ensure it aligns with program goals.

Hours are logged and verified by supervisors and count only toward the pathway to homeownership—not as wages or compensation.

Homeward Bound provides a full network of wraparound supports to help participants succeed.

At every stage, residents receive safe housing, case management, and mentorship to guide their progress. The program also offers life-skills training such as budgeting, cooking, and job readiness, along with financial literacy courses to prepare for long-term stability.

Community engagement opportunities foster belonging, while access to health and recovery resources ensures participants’ well-being.

Each step in the HumanKind Helps pathway is designed to build confidence, accountability, and readiness for homeownership.

When you complete the Homeward Bound program, you reach the milestone of homeownership.

After logging at least 1,500 Mortgage Credit Hours and completing all required trainings, you become eligible to receive the deed to your own tiny home built by Permanent Party Homes.

The home is relocated to a designated community under HOPE’s land trust model, ensuring long-term affordability and stability.

From there, you continue your journey with the dignity of ownership, the skills to remain independent, and the foundation for a sustainable future.

There is no monetary cost to participate in the Homeward Bound program.

Housing and support services are provided as a program benefit, not as rent or wages.

Instead of paying fees, participants commit to logging Mortgage Credit Hours through approved volunteer service, completing milestone trainings, and following program guidelines.

This ensures the pathway remains accessible to anyone ready to commit, regardless of their financial situation.

Each tiny home provided through the Homeward Bound program is designed for comfort, dignity, and sustainability. Homes are typically under 399 sq. ft. and include:

• A private bedroom or sleeping loft

• Kitchen area with appliances and storage

• Bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet

• Living space with seating and multipurpose design

• Heating and cooling systems for year-round comfort

• Energy-efficient construction for low utility costs

Every home is safe, functional, and built to support long-term stability while remaining affordable to maintain.

Applying is simple. Start by contacting our intake coordinator to begin the application process.

You’ll complete a short form about your current housing situation and needs.

Next, you’ll take part in an eligibility assessment to confirm requirements such as homelessness status and readiness to participate in volunteer service.

If approved, you’ll review and sign the program agreement, which outlines community guidelines, case management, and training expectations.

Once complete, you’ll be placed in the From Here Onward Shelter or Starter Village to begin your journey on the HumanKind Helps pathway.

Currently, the program is designed for individuals and couples without children. However, we are working on expanding our housing solutions to accommodate families in the future.

Yes! We welcome volunteers to mentor participants, assist with workshops, and support our housing efforts. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more about opportunities.

Your contributions help us provide housing, support services, and essential resources to those in need. To make a donation, visit our Donation Page.

Yes, we actively seek partnerships with businesses, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits to expand our impact. If you're interested in partnering with us, please contact our team.

Homeward Bound is more than temporary shelter—it is a clear pathway to homeownership.

Unlike traditional programs that end with transitional housing, Homeward Bound guides participants through the HumanKind Helps pathway, where every hour of approved volunteer service counts toward Mortgage Credit Hours.

These hours, combined with milestone trainings in life skills and financial literacy, lead directly to receiving the deed to a tiny home.

By pairing housing with accountability, purpose-driven service, and long-term stability, Homeward Bound ensures participants don’t just find a place to stay—they achieve a permanent foundation for the future.

Currently, we serve the Greater Houston area but plan to expand throughout Texas and then nationwide in the future. Stay updated by following us on social media.

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