Alpha Project for the Homeless

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Housing & Shelter, Human Services, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Dependency, Prevention & Treatment

Mission: The mission of Alpha Project for the Homeless, Inc., is to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. The agency's many programs and projects are available to all persons in need regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Alpha Project's methodology is firmly entrenched in the idea that homeless individuals are an asset to the community when provided with opportunities rather than handouts. Our programs inspire employment, independence, trust, and dignity by empowering our clients with jobs and appropriate information/referrals. We are proud to offer a unique approach in social service in that we make our clients part of the solution. We provide performance appraisals, disciplinary action, and feedback in regards to their temporary employment with Alpha Project. Our unique approach is derived from the high unemployment recidivism rate that is apparent in basic job placement, which does not provide homeless individuals with the necessary acclamation period and support.

Founded in 1986 as a simple project offering work opportunities for homeless individuals, today Alpha Project operates ten programs from three locations for homeless men and women. In addition, the agency has spawned the creation of 700 units of affordable rental housing projects and has sponsored home ownership programs. Recognized nationally by President George Bush as the country's 185th Point of Light, Alpha Projects focuses on empowering its clients to take personal responsibility for solving problems. Alpha Project strives not to manage homelessness, but rather to end it for its clients. The agency's programs do not aim at making homelessness easier, or less costly, or more tolerable. Alpha Project sees homelessness in part as a moral indictment of our community, and also as a solvable problem with a real end in sight. Alpha Project provides an opportunity -- clients provide the effort.

Community Stories

10 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

313DeeDee Client Served

Rating: 1

05/19/2023

Was not bad at all....but the hoodrats that got a second chance to run a shelter....put it this way they have a broken system. .Quote from Vista Hill employee. Shame at them for laughing at clients who where provoked to be exited. They pick and chose who they want around .I do appreciate every meal and shower i had but far as housing help after 8 months and 5 casemanagers im back on the streets where i started...Lost Again!!Step UP your game Alpha.what a crazy job to want anyhow...God bless the toxic place...i will get out of this mess somehow.THanks for the stay



1

Alivia2020 General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

03/02/2023

They lazy as ..... over here at the 17 street tent ,the morning shift ,all these people here sitting around doing nothing.

12

Barbara V.1 Client Served

Rating: 1

08/24/2020

This review will probably get me kicked out of here and that's ok. They are always changing the rules I've watched them swoop in and put people in the streets for eating at their beds and then other people openly eat and they don't do anything. We are told we have to wear a mask but I watch them gathering with 4-7 people much closer than 6 feet like a foot laughing and having a good time as if their actions won't affect us. I'm more in danger of catching something from them than my homeless counterparts. Why is it when you give someone a small in they they think they are king Kong. Something really needs to be done about the gross inadequacy at this shelter. I've gotten burned in the handycap showers as the water is set to hot. When I complained I was told I should appreciate a shower. I told her that I do appreciate a shower I just don't appreciate being scolded every time I took a shower. They still haven't done anything with the water. In my opinion that is elder and handicap abuse especially letting it continue. People are afraid to complain as they don't want to lose there bed. Please don't believe everything you see and hear on the news as it's not all true.

Cbarbermd Donor

Rating: 5

12/02/2019

My son and I have worked closely with Alpha Project the last several years to start a work program for the homeless, Wheels of Change. Alpha Project has done an amazing job implementing and running this program for the homeless. Workers have the chance to go out and clean up trash in the community and get paid $13/hr. The participants love it and over 50 cities have come to visit Alpha Project to have a look at the program. Can’t say enough positive things about Bob McElroy and all the staff at Alpha. They are about change and making good things happen on a skeleton budget. We have personally donated and will donate again this year. This is a great place to help people. Cheers!

Review from Guidestar

2

Liana T. Donor

Rating: 5

11/18/2010

My sister has been part of the Alpha team for 13 years and I've visited many of their programs. I've been so impressed by the passion and dedication the staff has for those they serve. I'm glad there are folks who are so gifted in helping others.

1

Jackie Board Member

Rating: 5

11/15/2010

I have been involved with Alpha Project for over 12 years and most recent (3 yrs) as a board member. I am still amazed at Alpha's projects ability to serve those needing help in a way that is respectful and give them back some dignity to break the cycle. The success rate speaks for itself and the best part is the efficiency it accomplishes this success. Oher like kind charities are not as successful in this area and require more money to achieve less.

3

Raff Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/07/2010

I have been a proud member of the Alpha Board for quite a while and cannot say enough good things about the organization. They have the most loyal staff, some of them graduates of the Casa Rafael program . The program rehabilitates the homeless and brings them back into the workforce thus giving them a new start on a productive life. I have hired Alpha graduates to do various jobs for me and these people have the best work ethic I have witnessed in many a year. They appreciate the work and do a terrific job. Alpha also finds housing and various medical services for the homeless many of whom are senior citizens who cannot live on their Social Security. Other services for drug and alcohol abuse, mental disorders and work training are readily available. All of these services are a win win situation for many of the homeless and the city of San Diego. Bob McElroy, the founder of Alpha Project is truly a gift to the people of San Diego as well as the staff of the most dedicated people I have ever know. Alpha instills in its clients a sense of self worth and the desire to help others. This is a huge recipe for success and a great gift fo humanity.

2

MomD General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/06/2010

As a parent of a graduate of The Alpha Project, I have experienced the program firsthand. With their motto being "a hand up not a hand out," they promote self-reliance and responsibility. They instill confidence as they assist the clients with stepping back into their community and maintaining a positive role. The clients work every day to not just earn their keep but regain their self respect. They are taught life skills and receive the support needed to cement those skills creating a lifestyle of sobriety and self-worth. The Alpha Project not only helped my son be a success, it gave our family hope, which had been missing from our lives for a long time.

1

bina360 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/04/2010

The Alpha Project has done so much for my family and many of my friends. I am proud to be the friend of so many graduates of their Vista residential program, Casa Raphael, one of whom is my brother. Today my brother is the Manager of Casa Raphael. The Alpha Project helps people become productive and respected members of society. They do this by helping a person find self respect, instilling them with a good work ethic, and surrounding the clients with people who want nothing but to see them succeed. Thank you Alpha for being there for so many people I care about and love.

2

Jackie G. Board Member

Rating: 5

11/04/2010

Alpha Project is providing a service to a population that is unfortunately growing in San Diego and doing so very cost effectively unlike other organization that are similar. The Alpha team is dedicated to turning around the lives of individuals that most citizens have written off. Their track record is a testiment to the successes they have had with turning around a homeless person's life. We need more suppor to of this organization from our local government officials!!

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