OUR HISTORY

Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. began in a single duplex in February 1987 by a mother whose two sons,  both served in the Vietnam War, were diagnosed with debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Originally called Alpha Omega Faith Homes, we were the first non-profit, charitable, organization specializing in
services for homeless veterans in the nation. Initial funding came from private donations and with the
realization of the need for further financial support, in 1988 we established bylaws and obtained a 501(c)3
status, along with  a full charter from the State of Tennessee.
In 1995 Alpha Omega Faith Homes was changed to Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. Since our
inception, We have assisted over 8,000 veterans. Our budget has increased from 80,000 to 4.5 million
dollars in assets and revenue. We have far exceeded the dreams of our founder, and intend to continue in
our quest to help the American veteran. As the quality and quantity of our services continues to grow,
We pledge to never lose sight of the individual needs of each client we serve. Our  mission, along with our
motto,  “helping veterans help themselves”, has enabled Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. to remain
an undisputed leader in providing quality supportive services and housing for homeless veterans and
their families.


HOW WE SERVE ?

Alpha Omega Veteran Services, Inc. provides a 30 day to two year transitional housing  program with an end goal of placement in permanent housing to promote independent living and total re-integration back to society. While in residence, each veteran is counseled on both an individual and group basis. Our program provides an integrated system of services, developed to meet the specific needs of our veterans. We provide food, clothing, housing, transportation, vocational assistance and assistance in rehabilitation.
It has been our pleasure to have served more than eight thousand displaced/disabled veterans. Our facilities include a drop-in/outreach center with a 19-bed transitional center, 32 one-bedroom permanent housing apartments, permanent housing in eight townhouses serving 32 veterans, 10 Single Room Occupancy(SRO) permanant housing for the chronically homeless, 15-bed transitional housing and and an eight-bed transitional facility(Life House) that serves the medically fragile. We have also built three single family houses for our clients who qualified to purchase thier own homes.
Our staff is comprised of professionals e.g. Certified Peer Counselors, licensed social workers, CNA/RNs to assist in clients fufilling their daily goal requirements.
 

THEY NEED OUR HELP

There are approximately 6,000 homeless individuals in the Memphis area during the course of a year. Approximately one-third of all homeless in Memphis and the U.S. are veterans.  The homeless veteran suffers from problems unique to this specific segment of the population and requires special services.  Residents of Alpha Omega have acknowledged their problems and are asking only for assistance as they work to re-establish themselves as productive American citizens. Many of our recent clients are veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Each day we must turn down displaced and disabled veterans asking for help. This is not an easy task. In the course of a year there are approximately 2,000 displaced veterans in the Memphis area. They need our help! With limited resources, Alpha Omega Veterans Services is forced to make diffucult decisions turning people away. To expand our services, we need your help!

How You Can Help

This is an illustration of how your
donations can help end the
battle of homeless/displaced veterans.

  • $36 - sustains 1 homeless veteran per day
  • $70 - sustains 2 homeless veterans per day (or 1 veteran for 2 days)
  • $140 - sustains 4 homeless veterans per day (or 1 veteran for 4 days)
  • $280 - sustains 8 homeless veterans per day (or 1 veteran for 8 days)


YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. primarily serves Vietnam era through Afghanistan and Iraq veterans.  Current medical data estimates 1 in 3 war veterans return home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Nearly 3 million troops have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and that can translate to 700,000 veterans with a potentially serious psychological injury.
Additionally, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the signature injury of the Iraq War, accounts for 65% of all combat wounds.
Thanks to today's understanding of mental health screening and treatment for the disabled, the battle for mental and physical health care fought by the Vietnam veterans need not be repeated.  At AOVS, we have an unprecedented opportunity to respond immediately and effectively to American veterans' post-service needs.
No one returns home from war unchanged. However, with counseling services and housing provided by AOVS, we no longer have to wait 30 years care for our veteran neighbors returning home.  Help us take decisive action to fix the gaps in treatment if we are to reach this and previous generations of veterans in time.
Quote of
the Month:


The men who succeed are the efficient few. They are the few who have the ambition and will power to develop themselves.


~ Robert Burton




"Helping Veterans Help Themselves"