Nation's Finest

What Nation's Finest does

Nation's Finest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 (originally as Flower of the Dragon) by four Vietnam veterans to provide housing, case management, mental health, employment, and homelessness-prevention services to U.S. military veterans and their families. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, the organization operates 30 service locations across 15 communities in California, Arizona, and Nevada, supplemented by a fleet of Mobile Service Units that travel more than 100,000 miles annually to reach veterans in 50+ rural and remote communities where service access is otherwise limited. It owns a wholly owned housing subsidiary, the Veterans Housing Development Corporation (VHDC), which holds more than 300 units of permanent supportive housing; flagship developments include Mather Veterans Village (Rancho Cordova, opened 2016; Phase IV adds 70 senior-veteran homes in 2026), Windsor Veterans Village (60 low-income units, opened 2022), and Bayview Heights (Eureka).

The organization is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations, planned giving, community fundraising events (e.g., Game of Throws cornhole tournaments, 5K/10K runs), corporate grants (Verizon, Wells Fargo, Home Depot), and government grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, CalVet, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Strategic co-development and service partners include Mercy Housing California, Angel Flight West, Blue Star Families, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. All services are delivered free of charge to veterans, with donations tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status (EIN 94-2699571).

Operationally, Nation's Finest reported serving more than 7,400 veterans annually at its 30 locations and is led by CEO Chris Flaherty (U.S. Navy Veteran), with a C-suite comprising a CFO, Chief Programs Officer, and Chief Housing Officer, and a board including representation from Google, UCSF, and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. The organization holds GuideStar Platinum, CARF accreditation (2018), Charity Navigator Four-Star (score 92), America's Best Charities Seal of Excellence, and the U.S. Department of Labor Hire Vets Medal.

Name

Nation's Finest

Legal name

Nation's Finest

Website

https://nationsfinest.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Nation's Finest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 that provides housing, case management, mental health, employment, and homelessness-prevention services to U.S. military veterans and their families across 30 locations in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Social Services and Affordable Housing

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL), Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

Keywords

• Veteran housing services
• Homeless veteran support
• Veteran case management
• Veteran employment services
• Nonprofit veteran services

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Rosa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Outright financial gifts from individual donors, including online donations via the organization's donation site and checks mailed to headquarters. Donations are tax-deductible as the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Government Grants: Funding from government sources including U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, CalVet, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, California Department of Housing and Community Development, and others. Includes grants for specific programs such as the CalVet Mental Health Grant.
3. Planned Giving: Bequests through wills or living trusts, charitable gift annuities, gifts of life insurance, real estate, retirement plans, stock transfers, and endowment or naming gifts.
4. Fundraising Events: Community fundraising events organized by 'Fundraising Friends' including cornhole tournaments (Game of Throws), 5K/10K runs, barbecues, chili cook-offs, and bowling tournaments. Also includes promotional sales partnerships with businesses.
5. Corporate Grants and Partnerships: Grants from corporate partners such as Verizon ($10,000 grants for Mobile Service Units), Wells Fargo, and Home Depot for housing development projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Nation's Finest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free housing, case management, mental health, employment, and homelessness-prevention services to U.S. military Veterans and their families. Services are delivered through 30 brick-and-mortar locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada and through a fleet of Mobile Service Units (MSUs) that reach rural and remote communities.

Product overview

Nation's Finest is a nonprofit Veteran services organization offering a comprehensive, integrated portfolio of housing, health, and employment services. The organization operates 30 brick-and-mortar locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada, supported by a fleet of Mobile Service Units that extend services to rural and remote communities. Core services include Transitional Housing (clinical-model facilities with onsite services), Permanent Supportive Housing (300+ units via Veterans Housing Development Corporation subsidiary), Case Management (personalized service planning and coordination), Mental Health Services (individual and group therapy for PTSD, trauma, and behavioral health), Employment Services (job placement, training, and employer partnerships), Homelessness Prevention (financial assistance for housing stability), Mobile Service Units (mobile outreach delivering housing, health, and benefits services), and Veterans in the Arts Program (creative expression through arts and culture). Additional offerings include The Vietnam Project international humanitarian initiative.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Veterans Housing Development Corporation (VHDC): A housing development subsidiary focused exclusively on developing affordable housing for veterans and their families. Website: HousingVets.org
• The Vietnam Project
• Mather Veterans Village
• Windsor Veterans Village
• Bayview Heights (Eureka)
• Veterans in the Arts
• 250 for 250
• Bonds of Sisterhood Fund

Products and services

• Transitional Housing Clinical-model transitional housing facilities for homeless Veterans with mental health disorders, providing onsite clinical services, employment and training programs, legal aid, and other support services.
• Case Management Interactive case management services where case managers serve as the Veterans' main point of contact, performing assessments, creating personalized service plans, and monitoring progress across housing, mental health, employment, and other needs.
• Mental Health Services Individual and group therapy sessions at clinical model residential facilities addressing PTSD, moral injury, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, depression, and anxiety.
• Employment Services Job placement and employment support services including workshops, peer-supported groups, instructor-led discussions, employer partnerships, and temp agency placements to help Veterans achieve long-term meaningful employment.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Over 300 units of permanent supportive housing specifically for Veterans and their families, managed through the Veterans Housing Development Corporation subsidiary.
• Mobile Service Units (MSUs) Fleet of mobile service units delivering vital support directly to Veterans in rural areas, providing housing navigation, health care access, benefits enrollment, and essential goods distribution across 50+ communities.
• Homelessness Prevention Temporary financial assistance for eligible low-income Veterans covering rental and utility assistance, deposits, moving costs, and other housing-related expenses to maintain stable housing.
• Veterans in the Arts Program California Arts Council-funded program addressing Veteran needs through arts, culture, and creative expression, increasing equity, access, and opportunities for Veterans and their families.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 7,400 Veterans served annually at 30 locations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Angel Flight WestcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Partnership provides free air and ground transportation for Veterans with healthcare needs. Angel Flight West has provided more than 100,000 flights across the western United States. Their network of volunteer pilots and Earth Angels drivers helps Veterans access medical appointments when distance or travel costs create barriers.
• Blue Star FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026Nation's Finest selected as official Blue Star Families Outpost in Nevada's Second Congressional District. Partnership expands community-based support and connection opportunities for military members, Veterans, and their families. Summer 2026 launch of newly retrofitted mobile services unit in partnership with Blue Star Families and Nevada Department of Veterans Services.
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 October 2025DAR provided $40,000 VOW grant for duplex renovations for women Veterans in Sacramento, plus $15,300 raised at State Regent's Tea and $10,000 from Presidio Chapter family foundation. Total 2025 contribution of $71,300. Grant from Vivian's endowment supports indigent and unhoused women Veterans.
• Mercy Housing CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2016Developed and operate Mather Veterans Village together since 2016. Mercy Housing California is the housing development partner providing affordable housing while Nation's Finest provides supportive services. Partnership has served hundreds of Veterans with stable housing and celebrated 10-year anniversary in 2026. Phase IV underway adding 70 new affordable homes for senior Veterans.
• U.S. Department of Veterans AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting Mather Veterans Village and general veteran services. VA partnerships for healthcare access and benefits navigation.
• CalVetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Department of Veterans Affairs awarded CalVet Grant to expand mental health services for California Veterans through California Veterans Health Initiative Mental Health Support Program.
• Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner in Mather Veterans Village development and ongoing operations.
• Veterans Housing Development Corporation (VHDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing development subsidiary of Nation's Finest focused exclusively on developing affordable housing for Veterans and their families.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: National nonprofit serving post-9/11 wounded veterans through mental health, career, and long-term support programs. Larger scale and broader geographic footprint, with overlapping mission around veteran wellness and recovery.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Large national veterans service organization focused on benefits navigation, claims assistance, and advocacy. Comparable in veteran-centered service delivery and federal partnership engagement, though more focused on benefits than housing.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Federal agency providing healthcare, housing assistance (SSVF, HUD-VASH), and benefits to veterans. Nation's Finest's primary referral partner and grant funder; comparable in serving overlapping veteran client populations through complementary programs.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit operating housing, veteran-specific programs, and supportive services across many states. Comparable in operating permanent supportive housing and veteran-specific service lines at much larger scale.
• The Salvation Army: Operates transitional housing, emergency shelter, and veteran rehabilitation programs nationally. Comparable in delivering social services including housing and case management to vulnerable populations, though not exclusively veteran-focused.

Direct peers

• Swords to Plowshares: San Francisco-based veteran services nonprofit providing housing, case management, and employment support. Directly comparable in Northern California geographic overlap and veteran housing focus.
• U.S. VETS (United States Veterans Initiative): One of the largest veteran-specific nonprofits offering transitional and permanent supportive housing, case management, and employment services. Directly comparable in service portfolio, veteran-led positioning, and focus on homeless/at-risk veterans.
• New Directions for Veterans: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing transitional and permanent housing, mental health, and case management for veterans. Closely mirrors Nation's Finest's clinical-model transitional housing and supportive services approach.

Others

• Mercy Housing California: Affordable housing development partner that has co-developed Mather Veterans Village with Nation's Finest since 2016. Comparable as the development-side counterpart in the partnership that produces veteran housing supply.

Regional players

• Habitat for Humanity Veterans Build: Affordable housing developer with a dedicated veteran-focused program building homes for veteran families. Comparable in veteran-specific affordable housing development mission, though not direct service provider for case management or mental health.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NationsFinest72
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5-VYFCtOeaGnr9VtVjE5Cw
• Facebookfacebook.com/nationsfinest1972
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nations-finest
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationsfinest1972

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nation's Finest