MEMPHIS — Alpha Omega Veterans Services received a $2.25 million federal investment secured through the congressional appropriations process. The funding will be used to renovate the organization's Jackson Avenue campus and make repairs at other Memphis properties.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen helped secure the funding. Cohen toured the Alpha Omega Jackson Avenue facility on July 17.

"The work Albert Edwards and his staff are doing for homeless veterans is inspiring, and I am pleased to be able to strengthen its outreach," Cohen said. Cohen credited the late Cordell Walker, Alpha Omega’s longtime executive director, with drawing his attention to the organization’s needs.

Executive Director Albert Edwards stated that Cohen’s office helped secure a $2 million grant for the Jackson Avenue work. He stated that an additional $250,000 will reach Alpha Omega through the City of Memphis.

"We’re currently using that money to do some much-needed renovations that were still needed out here," Edwards said. He stated that Cohen has submitted Alpha Omega for an additional $1 million to support repairs at two other properties. Edwards served 25 years as an Army combat veteran.

The funding does not cover gaps in day-to-day operating costs or eliminate uncertainty surrounding federal housing programs. Two of Alpha Omega’s three housing programs are sustained through grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He stated that two HUD grants expired earlier in the year, creating a roughly two-month gap before replacement funding began.

Alpha Omega faced the prospect of changing some housing from a permanent supportive model to transitional housing due to proposed federal policy changes. A judge blocked the proposed federal policy changes that would have required shifting housing models.

Permanent supportive housing is generally designed to provide long-term housing and services to people with disabilities or other barriers to independent living. Transitional housing typically places a limit on the duration of a resident's stay. He stated that Alpha Omega is preparing for the likelihood that one facility will shift from permanent supportive housing to a transitional model during the next grant cycle.

"At least this time, we have more time to do it," he said. He stated that unrestricted donor funding has dwindled over the past couple of years.

Alpha Omega was founded in 1987. Supporters can contribute money or in-kind donations through alphaomegaveterans.org.

Cohen also secured separate funding for the VA Medical Center, which includes improvements to food-service capabilities. "Our veterans deserve the best," Cohen said. "These investments in preventive maintenance and high-tech diagnostic equipment will improve the treatment the facility can provide, and I look forward to seeing these improvements implemented later this year."