Alpha Omega Veterans Services fights the at-home battle
It is an in-your-face issue, but it remains largely unrecognized. In Memphis, it is likely that you have driven by someone holding a “Veteran, homeless and hungry” sign.
Homelessness is a complex condition itself, and that situation is compounded by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and substance abuse — disorders that often affect veterans. Homeless veterans face a multifaceted issue, and Alpha Omega Veterans Services has been the unsung champion for men and women faced with that circumstance.
Alpha Omega Veterans Services (AOVS) is a Memphis 501(c)(3) that assists military veterans to reintegrate into society. They use strategic programming, peer mentoring, substance-abuse counseling, and temporary housing and other methods to aid veteran recovery. Over its 32-year tenure, AOVS has assisted over 11,000 veterans reclaim their lives. In HUD’s latest homeless count, the number of homeless veterans is up from last year: About 40,000 homeless veterans on any given night across the country. Due to the growing need, AOVS is growing and adapting, too.
Americans on social media took notice of the viral “push up challenge” campaign several years ago: 22-23 veterans are committing suicide daily. That is a shocking statistic for most civilians who assume that the government pays close attention to needs of military they discharge into society. But countless veterans are still struggling with reintegration, PTSD, and substance abuse, and the number is growing.
“There are hundreds of thousands living veterans in the United States today,” says Cordell Walker, executive director of AOVS for 30 years. “And even if only a fraction of them are homeless and in Memphis, our mission to help veterans help themselves.”
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ga. AOVS has come a long way since 1987, when Ola Mae Ransom founded the organization to aid her two sons suffering from PTSD after their tours in Vietnam. What was then a single duplex that took on a handful of veterans is now an institution of five locations with the ability to house 140 veterans, complete with hospice care, a sprawling urban farming program and more than $6 million in assets. Walker notes, “There are men and women now coming back home who have done three or four tours in the Middle East. They have physical pain that is addressed with highly addictive opioids, and they suffer from unimaginable emotional stress.”
While these problems seem far-off to people without military in their household, AOVS begs to differ. Awareness is key in combating veteran homelessness.
For AOVS, a simple tour or small corporate support is a critical step in assisting their cause. In 2016, ARS/Rescue Rooter, a Memphis-based national network of HVAC and plumbing services, came in for a corporate tour of the facilities. That led to a volunteer day, which ultimately led to ARS supporting much of AOVS’ endeavors. Likewise, FedEx Flight Services has a roster full of active and retired military, and, therefore, the company is compelled to offer a myriad of support to AOVS. These organizations are sponsors of the annual AOVS Golf Classic as well as the annual Military Masquerade, Alpha Omega’s two marquee fundraising events.
Walker has a ready response when asked, “What can I do?” “Come tour Alpha Omega, and bring your co-workers or friends.” Tours of AOVS are a far cry from sorrowful; in fact, most clients at AOVS are taking full advantage of the programming and activities. With the AOVS Urban Farm in full swing, a tour would include perusing large planter beds, a greenhouse, and the beehive and chicken coop areas.
Greg, a client previously known to be a man of few words, mentioned he grew up on a large chicken farm growing up. “Now we can’t get him away from the chickens,” exclaims Walker. “Or to even talking about the chickens!”
AOVS is an under-the-radar necessity in addressing the homelessness issue in Memphis. The next time you are sitting at a light and pondering how to best support a struggling homeless veteran, schedule a visit to see AOVS by visiting alphaomegaveterans.org.
Stephanie Beliles is a board of directors member of Alpha Omega Veterans Services.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Corinthians 4:17
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