Alpha Project

Alpha Project Alpha Project is a nonprofit human services organization that serves over 4,000 individuals.

Since 1987, Alpha Project has been committed to providing meaningful opportunities to men and women motivated to change their lives through hard effort matched with the support of talented human service professionals. Over the past 25 years, Alpha Project has grown from a single program offering supportive employment to homeless men and women into an agency that spans all of San Diego County and r

eaches as far north as the Bay Area. While the agency has grown, its values have remained unchanged and with those values to guide it, today Alpha Project affects the lives of thousands of men and women each day, creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and families to lead lives of greater independence and self-determination. Alpha Project’s social service programs offer support designed to address the full range of needs for men and women with substance abuse disorders, histories of incarceration and other involvement with law enforcement, mental illness, physical disability and other special needs. Participants in those programs include working age men and women from throughout San Diego County, representing the ethnic and cultural richness characteristic of the area. These key programs and other services, including transportation, end-of-life support, counseling and many others, are designed to combat the cycle of poverty and dependence on the front end, by addressing the causes and immediate consequences of that cycle for men and women left out of the mainstream. While Alpha Project’s social service programs address the agency’s priorities on the front end, to close the widening gap at the back end that separates more and more working age adults and seniors from self-reliance, Alpha Project has amassed an inventory of permanent affordable housing totaling 698 units at six sites between Chula Vista in the south and Oakland in the north. Alpha Project’s permanent housing developments have won numerous awards for excellence including recognition from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as “the best of the best” in affordable housing. In addition to high quality, safe, permanent housing at rents affordable to residents with low incomes, the various properties include such amenities as transportation shuttles, multi-station computer learning centers, community playgrounds and before and after-school programs. In 2012, Alpha Project will assume control of a 73-unit complex for low-income individuals in Oakland and will commence operation of a 134-bed interim housing program at San Diego’s World Trade Center, on 6th Avenue, downtown. The program will be part of a multi-pronged approach to combating homeless at one site, in the heart of the city, an undertaking without precedent in San Diego. The full-scale program at the World Trade Center will serve thousands of San Diegans in need each year, offering primary and psychiatric health care, drug and alcohol treatment, job preparation, referral and placement support, interim and permanent housing, daily meals and additional services. Alpha Project takes immense pride in how far it has come in the past quarter-century and it extends its thanks and the thanks of tens of thousands of men, women and children whose lives are forever transformed due to generous supporters like you who have made it all possible.

Recently, our residents enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the brand-new Cygnet Theatre in Liberty Station for a performan...
07/29/2026

Recently, our residents enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the brand-new Cygnet Theatre in Liberty Station for a performance of SpongeBob: The Musical! We kicked off the day with lunch at Chick-fil-A before heading to the matinee, and everyone had an amazing time.

We’re so grateful to Cygnet Theatre for their continued generosity in providing opportunities like this for our residents to experience the joy of live theater and make lasting memories. 💙🎭

For more than 20 years, Raef lived without the safety and stability of a permanent home. His journey into homelessness b...
07/16/2026

For more than 20 years, Raef lived without the safety and stability of a permanent home. His journey into homelessness began after his family's farmhouse was lost to foreclosure while he was living in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Raef and his mother relied on relatives for support until financial hardship forced them to leave California in search of a fresh start.

They relocated to Mississippi, but their hopes were shattered when Hurricane Katrina displaced them once again. Returning to California brought more heartbreak when Raef's mother passed away, leaving him alone and without a place to call home.

For years, Raef struggled to survive while facing serious mental and physical health challenges and a long-term substance use disorder. Without consistent care or stable housing, his conditions worsened. Eventually, he returned to Ocean Beach, but the place that once felt like home no longer did.

While living on the streets, Raef learned about Alpha Project's Harm Reduction Shelter and decided to seek help. Once at the shelter, he began focusing on his health and future. With support from his Case Manager and the Alpha Project team, he reconnected with medical providers, resumed taking his prescribed medications, and began addressing both his mental health and substance use.

Everything changed when Raef was matched with Permanent Supportive Housing. With Alpha Project's support, he moved into his own apartment—a place where he could heal, rebuild his life, and rediscover hope.

Today, Raef's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible when people are met with compassion, dignity, and unwavering support. His journey reflects the life-changing impact of stable housing and the strength it takes to begin again.

Congratulations, Raef. We are proud of your resilience and honored to be part of your journey home.

Garrett experienced homelessness for more than 30 years after being released from prison in 1994. With no family or frie...
07/15/2026

Garrett experienced homelessness for more than 30 years after being released from prison in 1994. With no family or friends to support her, she was left to navigate an unfamiliar world on her own. Without a support system, it became difficult to move forward, and despite traveling through all 48 mainland states in search of a fresh start, she never found the stability she was looking for.

Eventually, Garrett made her way to downtown San Diego, where she found a community she felt comfortable with. Although outreach workers regularly offered assistance, she wasn't ready to accept help. That changed one cold, rainy day when a Family Health Centers outreach worker offered her a hot cup of coffee and began building a relationship based on trust.

When Garrett decided she was ready, she entered Alpha Project's Harm Reduction Shelter and was connected with her Case Manager, Abby. While adjusting to shelter life was challenging, Garrett continued returning and taking meaningful steps toward stability each time.

With Abby's support, Garrett overcame significant barriers to obtain her birth certificate, establish California residency, secure a California ID, and gain access to benefits including CalFresh, General Relief, and Medi-Cal.

This week, Garrett reached an incredible milestone by moving into her own Permanent Supportive Housing apartment. After decades without a place to call home, she is excited to rediscover the hobbies she loves, including photography and crafting, in a safe and stable environment.

When asked what she wanted others to know, Garrett shared, "Alpha Project bent over backwards to help me. You have been nothing but patient and kind. I now have a home, and I can't wait to see what is next."

Congratulations, Garrett. Your perseverance and resilience are an inspiration, and we are honored to be part of your journey home.

Staff Spotlight: QuianaQuiana began their journey with Alpha Project as a Security/Monitor, where she quickly earned a r...
07/14/2026

Staff Spotlight: Quiana

Quiana began their journey with Alpha Project as a Security/Monitor, where she quickly earned a reputation for her reliability, strong communication skills, and genuine commitment to helping others.

Motivated to grow professionally and make an even greater impact, Quiana embraced opportunities for learning and development. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for serving the community, she successfully transitioned into the role of Case Manager.

Today, Quiana uses her frontline experience to build meaningful relationships with clients, understand their unique needs, and provide compassionate support as they work toward stability and housing.

Quiana's journey is a powerful example of how determination, perseverance, and opportunities for internal growth can open doors to new possibilities. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and grateful for the positive impact she continues to make every day.

Ofelia experienced homelessness beginning in 2024 while living on the streets of San Diego. During that time, she faced ...
07/13/2026

Ofelia experienced homelessness beginning in 2024 while living on the streets of San Diego. During that time, she faced serious physical and mental health challenges, separation from her family, and overwhelming financial hardship. Many nights were spent cold, exhausted, and unsure of where she would sleep or how she would survive. She often felt invisible and hopeless, simply trying to make it through each day.

Despite these hardships, Ofelia never gave up. She held onto hope that her life could change. While living on the streets, she connected with an outreach team that helped her access homeless services. She was eventually placed in a nursing facility, where she was able to focus on her health and begin healing physically and emotionally.

In November 2025, Ofelia was matched to Permanent Supportive Housing at La Sabila in Vista, California. With the support of her Case Manager, she worked to rebuild her life by obtaining her identifying documents and becoming her own payee. These milestones restored her confidence and reminded her that independence was possible.

In January 2026, Ofelia moved into her own apartment and embraced a fresh start. For the first time in years, she had a safe, stable place to call home. Today, she has reconnected with her family, built new friendships, and continues working toward better health and long-term stability.

Ofelia's journey is one of resilience, courage, and hope. From surviving the uncertainty of homelessness to finding safety, stability, and belonging, she is proof that transformation is possible with determination and support.

We are so proud of you, Ofelia. Your strength inspires us, and we are honored to be part of your journey home.

Thank you, San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization, for your generous support of Shorty’s Home Goods. Grant f...
07/07/2026

Thank you, San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization, for your generous support of Shorty’s Home Goods. Grant funds supported the purchase of bed frames and mattresses for households in our programs moving into permanent housing, ensuring they have a comfortable place to rest as they begin their new chapter. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating Sue RaffeeAfter more than 30 years of dedicated service to Alpha Project, we celebrate the life and legacy o...
06/27/2026

Celebrating Sue Raffee
After more than 30 years of dedicated service to Alpha Project, we celebrate the life and legacy of Sue Raffee, a longtime volunteer and Chair of the Board of Directors, who has passed away.
Bob McElroy, President and CEO, fondly recalls his first meeting with Sue over three decades ago, when she hired an Alpha Project work crew to clear brush on her property - a moment that sparked a lasting partnership and friendship.
In addition to her leadership on the Board, she was a steadfast supporter and donor, and she played a pivotal role in organizing two major fundraising milestones—the 20th and 25th Alpha Jubilees. Sue’s creativity, resilience, positive spirit, and unwavering commitment to our mission have been a blessing. She will be deeply missed.❤️

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the dads and father figures who show up with love, strength, and support every day....
06/21/2026

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the dads and father figures who show up with love, strength, and support every day. 💙

Our Family Shelter residents came together for a special BBQ filled with good food, laughter, and community — a simple but meaningful reminder that every family deserves moments of joy and connection.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Alpha Project. 🍔✨

Today, we’re celebrating Juneteenth with freedom, community, and creativity. ❤️💛💚Residents and staff at our Family Shelt...
06/19/2026

Today, we’re celebrating Juneteenth with freedom, community, and creativity. ❤️💛💚

Residents and staff at our Family Shelter came together to honor the day through art, connection, and reflection. Moments like these remind us of the importance of celebrating culture, history, and the strength found in community.

Happy Juneteenth from Alpha Project. ✨


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San Diego, CA

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