The Growing Together Capital Campaign is the most recent expansion initiative from the Opportunity Center for the Homeless.

Five projects will be completed in the next four years to expand services to the homeless population.

The Opportunity Center for the Homeless needs to raise 7.5 million dollars to complete these five projects. Our ground breaking for the first project is as early as summer 2022.

The projects are a new Veterans Transitional Living Center, the Women’s Resource Center Expansion, which will add a second floor with 20 Single Room Occupancy Units; La Casa de Los Abuelitos, a new program providing permanent housing for Elderly Men; The Center for peace and Tranquility Garden, located between the Men’s and the Woman’s Resource Centers, and a Parking area. 

The Opportunity Center exists for all homeless irrespective of race, ethnic origin, gender, language spoken, or religious beliefs, and regardless of mental and substance use disorders.

It provides opportunities for housing solutions, safe shelter, food, and support services for up to 400 individuals on a nightly basis and over 2,000 unique individuals year-round.

Through direct contact with the homeless, the Center supports them to move beyond their condition— if they are capable; or protects them if they cannot improve their condition in society because of behavioral disorders. What has set us apart from other homeless services providers is our ability to never say “no” to anyone in need.

The generosity and stewardship of generations before us built a place for the homeless to have respite and access services. Now it is our turn to share our kindness and build tomorrow together.

The Capital Campaign project is a united effort to raise $7.5 million for projects critical to our viability as a homeless provider. The selected projects are projected to be completed over the next four years. The Opportunity Center for the Homeless, founded in 1994, is a fully accredited 501(c) 3 non-profit organization located in El Paso, Texas, and all monetary donations are 100 percent IRS deductible.

Expected Break Ground

Summer 2022

Tranquility Garden

New Veterans Transitional Living Center

Back of the building

With patriotic pride and a deep sense of purpose, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless proudly celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Veterans Transitional Living Center (VTLC), just in time for Veterans Day.

This monumental project, with an estimated final cost of $3,066,784, embodies our unwavering commitment to supporting those who have valiantly served our nation. The three-story building, spanning 11,300 square feet, now houses 20 single-bedroom units with individual bathrooms, fifty percent of which are ADA and TAS-compliant. The common areas include a fully equipped kitchen, dining spaces, laundries, meeting rooms, and offices, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the residents. 

Built under the rigorous Energy Star and Green Globe Construction certification guidelines, the VTLC stands as a beacon of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices. This new facility not only complies with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs living standards but also enhances accessibility, security, and overall amenities. Over the past two decades, the VTLC has evolved from a humble operation to the area’s premier veteran’s shelter, and this grand opening marks a new era in our mission to serve those who have served us.

Make a Pledge

The decision to embark on this significant renovation and expansion was fueled by the need for a more streamlined approach to services, especially for female and male veterans with special needs.

Our Capital Campaign, a $3.5 million fundraising and engagement initiative, aims to fortify the efforts of the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in helping homeless veterans, developing cutting-edge programs, and supporting the veteran community in El Paso County.

As we stand at the threshold of this exciting new chapter, we invite you to join us in building a future where homeless veterans find the support, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. Together, let us strengthen the foundation of hope for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Naming Opportunities

A gift to the VTLC Capital Campaign is an opportunity to help shape and elevate the quality of
life for homeless veterans.

Your gift also presents a unique occasion to be permanently recognized in our new facility. We encourage our donors to take advantage of these opportunities, either through an outright gift or
one pledged for up to two years.

You may also choose to honor a family member or friend through a naming opportunity.

For more information, please view our Naming Opportunities Brochure. In addition, interested individuals, corporations, families, foundations, and other groups are invited to contact the Development Office for more information.

Naming Opportunities are available starting at $1,000. We also have bricks and pavers for sale.
To receive an updated list of available naming opportunities, please get in touch with John Martin, Deputy Director of the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, at 915-577-0069 or ocinfo@ocelpaso.org.

In collaboration with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), the Veterans Transitional Living Center (VTLC) has been helping veterans facing homelessness since 2001 in El Paso County through a Grant Per Diem Program, covering operational costs only.

Through an individualized service plan developed by the case manager and VA social worker, the program goals are to help veterans achieve greater self-determination, improve residential
stability, learn resource management, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Up to 20 veterans are served simultaneously for up to two years, and successful program graduates may be eligible for additional supportive services. The average stay in our facility is 120 days.

Women’s Resource Center Expansion

Expansion Project

Since 2008, The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) and Emergency Shelter have provided comprehensive services to help adult single women rebuild their lives and find safety.

Each year, an increasing number of women from every corner of El Paso County seek the Opportunity Center for the Homeless (OC) as a refuge from ongoing needs and challenges. In 2021, we provided shelter to 579 women, increasing 46% from 2020.

While demand continues to grow, our facilities are holding us back.

To address the permanent housing needs for females in our region, the OC is launching a $1.8 million two-year campaign to raise funds and expand the Women’s Resource Center, incorporating a tranquility garden.

The multi-phase Growing Together Capital Campaign, supporting the development and new construction of Opportunity Center for the Homeless programs, supports our mission to provide safe shelter and meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless in our community.

The new 16,120 square feet, 24/7, client-focused Women’s Resource Center will expand much-needed services for the women of El Paso in need.

The expansion project will modernize the current facility and add a second floor with 20 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, restrooms, common areas, a centralized kitchen, storage, and a single-efficiency apartment that staff can use.

It will also relocate the current designated area for the Center for Peace.

In this place, homeless individuals can enhance their spiritual life. They will be integrated as a shared, accessible stand-alone facility adjacent to the Men and Women’s Resource Centers.

In addition, this project will accommodate the Center for Peace and a Tranquility Garden. In addition, this project will accommodate the Center for Peace and a Tranquility Garden.

We are living an exciting time at the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, and we hope you will join us in our effort to improve the lives and future of homeless women in need.

Make a Pledge

Project Timeline and Cost

After careful consideration, our Board of Directors identified several projects that have been on our wish list for several years and approved plans for the most extensive milestone redevelopment in the Opportunity Center for the Homeless history.

The Women’s Resource Center Expansion and Tranquility Garden is part of the $7.5 million Growing Together Capital Campaign.

The newly designed two-story building will accommodate 20 new permanent housing units for low-income females with mental health and age-related issues in the El Paso community.

The expansion will provide much-needed enhancements in design, security, and other amenities.

Construction will start in spring 2023 at the cost of approximately $1,800,000.

Tranquility Garden

A mental breather from the overwhelming reality of the world.

Located in the courtyard adjacent to the Women’s Resource Center, the tranquility garden will provide a quiet and serene place for the clients and visitors to reflect, meditate, and relax throughout the year.

Research has shown that engaging with nature has multiple health benefits and presents an opportunity to improve outcomes.

The ability to encourage social support, opportunities for movement and light exercise, and soothing distractions will allow our guests and permanent residents to relax outside of the four walls of our Resource Centers while finding a restful retreat from the hardships of life.

The tranquility garden features trees, flowers, and a beautiful garden path, creating a peaceful place of reflection. The architectural design also considers a water feature, pergola, and ample sitting areas for the clients. In addition, it will proudly feature several collection centers for rainwater recycling to reduce dependency on city water.

This comprehensive renovation will offer a new location for the Center for Peace. The previous location was located within the Women’s Resource Center.

The Center for Peace was established in 2012 by Sister Helen Santa Maria and the administration of the Opportunity Center for the Homeless to enhance the spiritual life of clients and staff.

To achieve our vision for the Tranquility Garden, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless must raise $175,000.

You can be a part of this legacy. Your donations to the Opportunity Center through our Growing Together Capital Campaign will fund the Tranquility Garden and help sustain and enhance this beautiful place.

Shelter for the Elderly Men

Information Coming Soon