There are approximately 4,000 homeless people in the Memphis area during the course of a year. Around one-third of these individuals are male veterans, according to Alpha Omega Veterans Services (AOVS).
Since 1987, AOVS, which is the country’s first private, non-profit corporation established to serve disabled and/or displaced military veterans, has provided resources to nearly 9,000 veterans.
The organization’s 9th annual AOVS Golf Classic this Friday (September 26th) will help them continue assisting the city’s homeless veteran population. The event will take place at Memphis National Golf Club. The shotgun start is 1 p.m.
“The homeless veteran suffers from problems unique to this specific segment of the population and requires special services,” said Cordell Walker, executive director of AOVS. “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 served in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars.”
Renowned bakery, Muddy’s Bake Shop, is one of the sponsors for this year’s AOVS golf tournament. The bakery is also donating all of the proceeds contributed to its “Refill Our Community With Positive Change” (ROCWPC) jar throughout the month of September to AOVS.
Sara Shackelford-Newcomb of Muddy’s Bake Shop said the company selected AOVS as its September ROCWPC recipient after learning about the organization’s efforts and the number of local veterans experiencing homelessness.
“I think it’s important to point out the amazing things that folks are doing in this city. At Muddy’s, we’re aware of the problems, but also want to be a strong voice in celebrating and supporting the good,” Shackelford-Newcomb said. “We think selecting AOVS for our September ROCWPC jar recipient is one small way we can do that.”
AOVS will use the donated funding to continue providing services at its six different facilities in the Memphis area. The organization provides food, clothing, multiple transitional and permanent housing units, counseling, transportation, and assistance in education, employment, and rehabilitation.
“We are honored that Muddy’s Bake Shop has chosen us as their agency of the month,” Walker said. “This being the month of our annual Golf Classic makes this most timely in helping us to spread the word about our initiatives to serve our disabled/displaced veteran population. The proceeds will go towards maintaining the quality program standards in serving our ever-increasing number of soldiers — both male and female — that are in need of our services.”
Entry to the AOVS Golf Classic is $125. A group of four can participate for $450. For more information on the event, click here.