What Alpha Project does

Alpha Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit human services organization founded in 1986 in San Diego, California, that operates an integrated continuum of programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It serves over 4,000 people daily and 24,000+ annually through a portfolio that includes three emergency bridge shelters (510 beds total), a 42-unit family shelter, a state-licensed 90-bed residential substance abuse treatment program (Casa Raphael), rapid rehousing with rental assistance, a Landlord Partnership Program, street outreach, transitional employment programs (Take Back the Streets and Wheels of Change), and tenant peer support services. The organization also develops and operates affordable housing across six properties totaling 900+ units — Alpha Square (203 units), Alpha Lofts (52 units for homeless veterans), Luther Tower (200 units for seniors, under rehabilitation), Harrington Heights (273 units in pipeline, including units for the developmentally disabled), Escondido Apartments (90 units), and Island Village (280 units) — with Harrington Heights representing its largest single development to date.

The technology backbone is conventional for the sector: Bitfocus's Clarity platform for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data tracking and longitudinal client outcomes, and SmartCare as the Electronic Health Record for Drug Medi-Cal and Behavioral Health Services. All programs integrate with San Diego's Coordinated Entry System (CES) using the Common Assessment Tool, and Alpha Project uses evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, and Critical Time Intervention. There is no proprietary technology platform; the organization is a service-delivery operator that depends on third-party systems for compliance and reporting.

The business model is a multi-stream nonprofit funding structure rather than a commercial revenue engine. The largest streams are government contracts (City of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission, County of San Diego, and HUD) that fund shelter operations, treatment, and rental subsidies, supplemented by rental income from the owned affordable-housing portfolio, individual and corporate donations (including designated program gifts), planned giving and estate gifts, low-fee Fire Prevention Services that monetize the transitional employment program, and merchandise sales (Stay Gold Book at $199). The donor base includes Bank of America, Wells Fargo, the San Diego Padres, Barona, Sycuan, and several family foundations. Pricing to beneficiaries is zero — services are provided at no cost to homeless individuals and families — and beneficiary access is managed through CES, the 211 system, and direct outreach contact.

Name

Alpha Project

Legal name

Alpha Project

Website

https://alphaproject.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Alpha Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1986 in San Diego that delivers an integrated continuum of homeless services — emergency shelter, residential substance abuse treatment, permanent supportive housing (900+ units), rapid rehousing, and transitional employment — to over 4,000 people daily.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless and Human Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB)

Keywords

• Homeless services
• Supportive housing
• Emergency shelter
• Residential treatment
• Affordable housing

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Individual and corporate donations received through online portal, mail, and special events. Donors can designate contributions to specific programs such as General, Veterans, Families, Casa Raphael, Alpha Square, Hospice/LWD, Outreach, and others.
2. Government Contracts: Primary funding from City of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission, County of San Diego, and Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Casa Raphael is primarily supported by County of San Diego. Family Shelter is administered by SDHC.
3. Rental Income: Revenue from affordable housing units including Alpha Square (203 units), Alpha Lofts (52 units), Harrington Heights (273 units), Luther Tower (200 units), Island Village (280 units), Escondido Apartments (90 units), and others.
4. Fee for Service Programs: Fire Prevention Services provide brush management and weed abatement services for businesses and residences for a low fee. Transitional Employment program Take Back the Streets provides cost-saving services to the community.
5. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: Planned gifts and gifts of real estate including Charitable Gift Annuity, Charitable Lead Trust, Pooled Income Fund, Remainder Annuity Trust, Remainder Unitrust, and Retained Life Estate options.
6. Merchandise Sales: Stay Gold Book photography book sold for $199, with proceeds going to a fund for homeless veterans who have taken personal accountability for their situations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Alpha Project is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) human services organization that delivers emergency shelters, residential substance abuse treatment, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, homeless outreach, and transitional employment programs to homeless individuals, families, veterans, and low-income seniors in San Diego County. The organization operates 900+ units of affordable housing, 510 emergency shelter beds, and multiple integrated social service programs funded by government contracts, foundation grants, and individual donations.

Product overview

Alpha Project is a nonprofit human services organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of social services rather than a unified technology product. The organization's offerings include nine core service programs (Residential Treatment, Bridge Shelters, Family Shelter, Homeless Outreach, Rapid Rehousing, Transitional Employment/Take Back the Streets, Fire Prevention Services, Wheels of Change, and Tenant Peer Support Services), supplemented by a Living with Dignity/Hospice for the Homeless program. Additionally, Alpha Project operates six housing properties (Alpha Square with 203 units, Alpha Lofts with 52 units, Luther Tower with 200 units, Harrington Heights with 273 units, Escondido Apartments with 90 units, and Island Village with 280 units), creating an integrated ecosystem of shelter, treatment, employment, and permanent housing services. The organization also sells a merchandise product (Stay Gold Book) to support veteran programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Casa Raphael: A state-licensed residential substance abuse treatment program for men in recovery, located at 993 and 975 Postal Way in Vista, CA. Casa Raphael offers an intensive 12-week evidence-based practice curriculum with housing, food, recovery workshops, case management, mental health counseling, and other support services.
• Take Back the Streets (TBS)
• Wheels of Change
• Hospice for the Homeless / Living with Dignity

Products and services

• Residential Treatment (Casa Raphael) State-licensed residential substance abuse treatment program for men in recovery, providing a 12-week evidence-based curriculum with housing, food, recovery workshops, case management, mental health counseling, and access to healthcare. Serves 90 residential treatment beds in Vista, CA.
• Bridge Shelters Three emergency shelters providing 510 beds for adults experiencing homelessness with case management and support services using the Housing First Model. Includes Bridge Shelter Newton (326 beds), Bridge Shelter Imperial (140 beds), and Bridge Shelter Sports Arena (44 beds).
• Family Shelter 42-unit family shelter program administered by the San Diego Housing Commission, providing safe housing and supportive services for families with children experiencing homelessness to prepare for permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Homeless Outreach Community outreach program operating from vans, providing food, water, clothing, hygiene supplies, blankets, transportation assistance, and relationship-building services to homeless individuals in downtown San Diego, National City, and Port of SD areas.
• Rapid Rehousing Rental assistance and security deposit program providing landlord advocacy, housing navigation, and case management to families and individuals experiencing homelessness to move them into permanent housing.
• Transitional Employment (Take Back the Streets) Founding program since 1987 providing transitional employment and training to homeless individuals, offering services including weed/brush abatement, canyon cleanup, graffiti removal, homeless outreach, and fire prevention.
• Fire Prevention Services Brush management and weed abatement services for fire prevention, providing defensible space preparation around structures in high fire severity risk zones per California state law requirements. Available for a low fee to businesses and residences.
• Wheels of Change Transitional employment program paying shelter residents $52 per shift for community cleanups including litter pickup, weed abatement, and community enhancement projects, with peer-to-peer outreach to connect homeless individuals with housing and services.
• Tenant Peer Support Services County-funded program serving clients 18+ who are homeless or unstably housed, providing housing navigation, peer support, case management, and assistance obtaining documentation through San Diego's Coordinated Entry System.
• Living with Dignity / Hospice for the Homeless Program providing one-time financial assistance for security deposits, emergency rental assistance, and medical equipment for seniors and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses, including rental assistance for homeless hospice patients with terminal illnesses.
• Alpha Square 203-studio apartment complex in Downtown San Diego providing permanent supportive housing for homeless, low-income, and very-low-income individuals with on-site case management and commercial retail space.
• Alpha Lofts 52-unit affordable housing complex for homeless veterans in Normal Heights, San Diego, providing supportive services in partnership with San Diego Housing Commission and Chelsea Investment Corporation.
• Luther Tower 200-unit affordable senior housing community with 94 one-bedroom apartments and 106 studio apartments, undergoing total rehabilitation with support services provided by Alpha Project.
• Harrington Heights 273-unit affordable housing development in East Village with 65 permanent supportive housing units for homeless individuals, 10 units for veterans, 40 units for developmental disability residents, and 155 low-income units.
• Escondido Apartments 90-unit affordable housing complex for low-income seniors in Escondido with on-site social work staff, public benefits assistance, and door-to-door transportation services.
• Island Village 280-unit apartment complex in Downtown San Diego with studio units featuring full private bathrooms and kitchens, offering support services, case management, and 24-hour security.
• Stay Gold Book Photography book by Navy veteran Matt O'Connor documenting homelessness in San Diego, sold for $199 with proceeds going to a fund for homeless veterans who have taken personal accountability for their situations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves over 4,000 people daily and assists over 24,000 men, women, and children each year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chelsea Investment CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for affordable housing projects including Alpha Lofts and Harrington Heights.
• Civic San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Alpha Square and Harrington Heights development projects, providing development oversight.
• Richman Group, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Harrington Heights affordable housing project.
• San Diego Regional CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Harrington Heights project providing support for units designated for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• JWDA ArchitectscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm designing Alpha Square and Harrington Heights projects.
• Emmerson ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction partner for Alpha Square development project.
• Level 10 ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction partner for Harrington Heights development project.
• Royal Property ManagementcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProperty management company managing Alpha Square, Alpha Lofts, Harrington Heights, Luther Tower, Island Village, and Escondido Apartments.
• HomeAid San DiegominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit building partner in partnership with Lennar Charitable Housing Foundation for Alpha Square.
• Artisan Design GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDesign/build partner for Alpha Square development.
• BIA CaresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding Industry Association charitable arm supporting Alpha Square.
• PadresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSan Diego Padres professional baseball team supporting Alpha Project.
• BaronaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBarona Resort & Casino supporting Alpha Project.
• SycuanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSycuan Casino Resort supporting Alpha Project.
• Jamul CasinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerJamul Casino supporting Alpha Project.
• COXminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCox Communications supporting Alpha Project.
• Sudberry PropertiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProperty development company supporting Alpha Project.
• BarberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate supporter of Alpha Project.
• DominicaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate supporter of Alpha Project.
• San Diego Union-TribuneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner featuring coverage of Hospice for the Homeless program through investigative journalism.
• Matt O'ConnorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNavy Veteran and photographer creating Stay Gold Book to raise funds for homeless veterans, with proceeds going to a dedicated fund.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Father Joe's Villages: San Diego's largest homeless services nonprofit, operating emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and health services. Directly comparable to Alpha Project's comprehensive shelter-to-PSH service model in the same geography.
• PATH (People Assisting the Homeless): Southern California nonprofit providing interim housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Closely comparable service mix and Housing First approach, with overlapping government funding sources.
• San Diego Rescue Mission: Long-running San Diego nonprofit providing emergency shelter, meals, recovery programs, and transitional housing. Directly comparable core mission and beneficiary population, competing for similar county and city contracts.
• St. Vincent de Paul Village San Diego: San Diego homeless services provider operating shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services for families and individuals. Comparable integrated service model and competitive for the same HUD/Continuum of Care funding.
• Abode Services: California-based nonprofit operating housing programs across multiple counties including rapid rehousing, supportive housing, and homelessness prevention. Comparable service portfolio and contract-based funding model.

Broad incumbents

• Skid Row Housing Trust: Larger Los Angeles-based nonprofit developer and operator of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. Comparable PSH development model and supportive services approach, scaled to a larger urban footprint.
• BRIDGE Housing: Major California nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator with thousands of units across the West Coast. Overlaps with Alpha Project's affordable housing development and property management activities but operates at a much larger scale.

Others

• HomeAid San Diego: San Diego nonprofit building industry partner that supports Alpha Project's Alpha Square development through the Lennar Charitable Housing Foundation. Enabling organization in the same ecosystem rather than direct competitor.
• San Diego Housing Commission: Government housing agency that is both Alpha Project's largest single funder (Family Shelter, Alpha Square rental subsidies) and a quasi-competitive operator of supportive housing programs in San Diego.
• Chelsea Investment Corporation: Affordable housing developer and LIHTC syndicator partnering with Alpha Project on Alpha Lofts and Harrington Heights. Adjacent enabling partner in the affordable housing value chain rather than a direct service competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/alphaprojectsd
• Instagraminstagram.com/alphaprojectforthehomeless
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alpha-project-for-the-homeless

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alpha Project