OUR HISTORY

Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. began in a single duplex in 1987 by Ola Mae Ransom after her
two sons, which 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 agency 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 5,000 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. This tenet, 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 has provided care and help to veterans in numerous ways and through numerous avenues.  Here are some examples of how over time we've provided for our veterans:

  • Ten independent congregate family homes (Aftercare Program) (1990)
  • 90 day Transitional Housing Program (1990)
  • 30 Day to 2 year Supportive Transitional Housing and Drop-In Center (2000)
  • 8 town homes provide a 32 bed transitional housing and use of a closed army depot facility. (Army Depot) (2000)
  • 32 Permanent Supportive Housing apartments in a gated community  (2004)
  • Mobile Outreach (2004)
  • Supportive services (room and board) for Veterans Affairs Medical Center Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program (2005)
  • Home Ownership Program providing 3 new private residence homes constructed by Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. (2005)
  • Veterans Life House - Hospice and Palliative Care Program (2008)
  • 10 Single Resident Occupancy Units and Community Service Building (2008)
 

THEY NEED OUR HELP

There are approximately 7,000 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.


HOW 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).  Presently, over 1.5 million troops have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and that translates to half a million 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.  With counseling and housing services provided by AOVS and donors like you, we no longer have to wait 30 years to provide for our veterans.  Help us take decisive action to fill the gaps in treatment as we 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"