Our History

Established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 1973 by parents of children with a variety of disabilities, Homeward Bound provides 24-hour specialized nursing care, group living environments, in-home services, and individualized housing options for persons with disabilities.

The First 25

1974 – The first major fundraiser, “Night of Stars,” is held.

1976 – Senator Hubert H. Humphrey hosts the ground breaking ceremony for our 64-bed New Hope home.

1979 – A 32-bed home for adults opens in Brooklyn Park.

1990 – Two residential homes open serving children in Plymouth and Maple Grove.

1994 – HBI 2000 Plan is submitted to the Board of Directors.

1996 – The first waiver home opens in Eden Prairie.

1997 – New Hope closes and we complete the opening of 14 homes in the west metro.

The Next 25

Homeward Bound is one of the largest community-based residential service providers in Minnesota for children, adolescents, and adults with complex disabilities. The expertise we provide can be applied to virtually any situation or environment in which supports are desired. These include group living environments, the family home, or one’s own home.

2007 – Bluebird home opens. This is our first Community Alternative Care (CAC) home, a program serving individuals with a hospital level of care.

2010 – Noble Court, our second CAC home, opens.

2013 – We begin our new Individualized Housing Options (IHO) program for persons living in their own home or at home with their family.

2015 – Our 3rd CAC home, Medicine Lake, opens.

2016 – Another waiver home, Winnetka, opens.

2023 -HBI celebrates 50 years!

2023 – Brooklyn Park ICF Facilities closes

2024 – HBI opens three new residential homes; 82nd, 92nd and Sugarloaf in Brooklyn Park, MN

The Future

Today and beyond, Homeward Bound continues its mission and strategic plan which compliment our State and National movements away from institutional care and towards community, independent, and family supports.