COVID-19 Response

Amid the COVID-19 health crisis, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless remains committed to help and protect homeless individuals in the El Paso community.

While the current COVID-19 outbreak in the city is dramatically impacting the lives of every person, homeless individuals in our community are particularly vulnerable, as they have much higher rates of serious underlying health problems, generally lack access to quality health care, and have no way to self-quarantine.

To address the general concern of shelter capacity in our community and to ensure the safety of our residents and help flatten the curve, two new temporary housing shelters were open thanks to an unprecedented collaboration with the City of El Paso, the County of El Paso, the Office of Emergency Management, the Rescue Mission of El Paso, Endeavors, the Salvation Army of El Paso County, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, among others.

As of April 14, 2020, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless operates these facilities to provide support up to 209 individuals each evening to ensure all homeless in need in our community has access to a healthy and a safe environment.

The two facilities are located at:

Delta Welcome Center at the
Hilos De Plata Senior Center
4451 Delta Drive

Delta Haven at the
Chalio Acosta Sports Center
4321 Delta Drive

Hours of Operation:
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Phone Number:
(915) 533-3207

All individuals, including families, experiencing homelessness are asked to go to the Delta Welcome Center to get basic services, which include lodging, three meals a day, access to showers and laundry services, among others.

Upon arrival, everyone— including prospective clients, is screened for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering the buildings.

If a person exhibits any symptoms, it is immediately placed in an isolation room to then be sent to be tested.

Upon completing the intake process individuals/families are safely placed in shelters in the community or an apartment of their own.

Several routines in our shelters were impacted by the current health crisis. One of them is the meal delivery, which was reliant on large numbers of volunteers to prepare and serve three meals a day.

To help minimize the spread of the disease, social distancing guidelines must be observed, and individuals no longer form in line to get fed; now the meal is delivered to their table.

Please consider donating any item on this list, and help us focus our resources in moving individuals forward. Below is a list of commonly used items.

Additionally, we have a need for the following personal care items:

Many of these items are available through online shopping services and can be delivered directly to the Shelter at the address below. You can also donate items registered in our Amazon Wish List.

Financial donations are crucial and sincerely appreciated. To donate online, please visit www.homelessopportunitycenter.org

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and support in meeting the needs of adults experiencing homelessness in our community.

OPPORTUNITY CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS
1208 Myrtle Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 577-0069 • www.homelessopportunitycenter.org