Planning for the Future
The 2012-2015 STRATEGIC PLAN
For
ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
(Reviewed and updated January, 2014)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Terry Crenshaw-President
Ann Herkenhoff- Treasurer
Susan Osborn-Vice President
Stephen Meador-Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Pauline Claiborne
Adam Gurrola
Karen Davis
Julio Gutierrez
John W “Jay” Dunbar
Laura Holguin
Rick Garcia
Suzette Zaboroski
Board Member Emeritus
Lois Evans
Rose Rosales (deceased)
MISSION STATEMENT
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless exists for all the homeless without distinction of race, ethnic
origin, language spoken or religious beliefs, and regardless of mental, drug and alcohol problems.
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
emotional or psychological disorders.
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the course of the year the Administrative staff, Board of Directors and the support staff
review the current status of programs and services offered to the homeless. It is during these discussion
periods that many issues related to effectively serving the homeless are brought to our attention and
responded to by the organization. This format has been used for many years by the Center and has been
instrumental in our growth since opening in 1994.
The Strategic Plan as presented enables us to effectively address the growing needs of the homeless and
permits us the opportunity for continued discussion and potential action or implementation of the
recommendation. We strive to respond to the homeless by providing services and housing in a
compassionate and caring manner, realizing that our ultimate goal is to assure the safety and welfare of
those who call upon us for a day, week, month or longer.
Founded on the basic principal of collaboration, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless has become
the primary point of service to all homeless persons. Frequently referred to as the “shelter of lastresort” the Opportunity Center operates the only shelter program that accepts homeless individuals for
who they are and does not attempt to mold them into something they will never become. Instead, we
seek to provide them the tools and means necessary to move beyond homelessness if they are capable
or protect them if they cannot overcome homelessness.
CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness has reached a crisis level in this country. It is challenging to address because of the everchanging economy, educational background of homeless individuals, political climate at the local, state
and national level, as well as funding. Frequently in our community, and the country as a whole, we
focus on who is most likely to become homeless, but we often miss why homelessness occurs.
Homelessness and poverty are linked in so many ways. As the poverty rate increases, so does the
homeless rate. The poorest 50% of the more than 43.6 million US citizens may fall into homeless at any
given point in time. Over 1.5 million people have become homeless since the recession of 2009. In our
economic system, poverty and homelessness are a historical reality, reflecting major disparities between
rich and poor. Over the last fifty years, 30-50 million people have regularly lived in a state of povertyi.
Poverty is frequently defined as the lack of basic human needs such as food,shelter, clothing, healthcare,
education, security and opportunity. In 2011 a family of four is considered to be poor, under the United
States Census Bureau’s official measure, if the familiy’s income is below $22,050 per year. Currently,
based on that standard 15 million children, one in five children in the United States, are living in poverty.
Almost two in five single mothers are poor.
At the individual level, homelessness is usually the result of multiple factors that converge in a person’s
life. The combination of loss of employment, inability to find a job due to economic conditions, and the
high costs of housing, leads to loss of housing for some individuals and families. For others, the loss of
housing is due to unexpected medical bills, lack of health insurance, chronic health problems, physical
disabilties, mental health disabilities or drug and alcohol addictions, along with the inability to access
the services and the long-term support needed to address these conditions. According to the National
Coalition for the Homeless, there are two trends responsible for the rise in homelessness: the increase
in poverty and the growing shortage of affordable housing.
Locally we are told that on any given night there are an estimated 1,400 individuals looking for shelter.
This number does not include the families and individuals who are couch hopping, staying with family
and friends, living in cars, abandoned buildings or other places not meant for human habitation.
[I]
SERVICES
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless seeks to provide a full service continuum of care to homeless
persons. This is accomplished through a collaborative effort between the Center and a multitude of local
community-based organizations, including the following that are on site at the Day Resource Center
facility:
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Aliviane NO AD-Substance Abuse Recovery and PATH program
Centro San Vicente-Homeless Medical Clinic
Centro San Vicente-Mental Health Services
El Paso MHMR-Mental Health Services
Department of Veterans Affairs-VA Services to Homeless Veterans
El Paso Community College-Computer classes, GED-ESL
Sun Metro
In addition, the Center oversees a variety of other Supportive Services components (see below).
2012-2015 Plan
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless will seek to expand collaborative partnerships with the
placement of additional programs within the confines of the Day Resource Center as needed. These
efforts may include:
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Domestic Violence Programs for Women and At-Risk Populations.
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Incorporation of a Workforce Development component within the Day Resource Center. A
number of partnerships have been initiated—including those with PRIDE and DARS, local
organizations that seek employment for the mentally disabled—but these have not been
sustainable.
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A potential partnership with Emergence Health Care, our local organization that cares for the
mentally disabled, is in the planning stages. This would give better service to many of our
residents with a mental health diagnosis.
[II}
EMERGENCY SHELTER
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless currently operates two emergency shelters targeting specific
populations:
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homeless single women
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homeless single men
These facilities have the capacity of serving 200 homeless on a nightly basis. Realizing the ever-growing
needs of the homeless community, the Center has made every effort to effectively respond to these
needs.
2012-2015 Plan
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless will seek to expand Emergency Shelter accommodations
and/or facilities in response to the growing number of homeless persons. This will be accomplished
through:
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The development of the 510 S. Oregon Street project that will include emergency shelter for
homeless families. This program opened its doors on September 1, 2013, but operates at only
50% of capacity. The renovation of the bottom floor of the facility is still required. Estimated
cost of such renovation and final completion of the facility is projected at $550,000. We will
continue to seek funding for such renovation.
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The securing and development of an additional facility, or the expansion of a current facility, to
address the growing number of homeless men. No opportunity has presented itself for this
expansion.
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Expand outreach (Street Outreach) to the Central Business District and areas frequently known
for homeless congregating in an effort to bring them into the Day Resource/Emergency Night
Shelter. This endeavor was attempted from September, 2012 to August, 2013. It did not prove
cost effective. What really works is our partnership with the El Paso Police Department and our
commitment to caring for anyone they bring in from the streets. The El Paso police officers are
constantly being trained in mental health issues, and they have become our “social workers” on
the streets.
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Assist other agencies and government entities in addressing homeless issues within their
respective organizations and communities as called upon. We continue to support a number of
agencies with less financial resources than we have—to include, El Paso Villa Maria, Reynolds
House Non-Profit, TVP Non-Profit, Commons on Myrtle, and Sin Fronteras Organizing Project.
We offer these agencies financial support, maintenance services, or administrative support so
that they can continue with their mission in supporting homeless and low-income people.
[III]
TARGETED HOUSING PROGRAMS
Currently, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless operates a variety of short and long-term housing
programs targeting specific sub-populations of homeless persons. These include:
FACILITY NAME
LOCATION
Magoffin Safe Haven
1313 Magoffin Avenue
Women’s Transitional
Living Center
Veteran’s Transitional
Living Center
1318 Myrtle Avenue
(Rear)
818 Myrtle Avenue
SUB-POPULATION or
Targeted Population
Mentally DisabledChronically Homeless
Homeless Single
Women (no children)
Homeless Veterans and
Chronically Homeless
Veterans (male and
Occupancy
(Number of beds)
20 beds in private or
semi-private rooms
16 semi-private
occupancy areas
20 private rooms
female)
Homeless men in
transition.
Frail and Elderly
Homeless men and
women.
Homeless persons
returning to work or
school. Some with
Mental Health issues.
(male and female)
Safe Zone TLC
1208 Myrtle Avenue
15 cubicles
Magoffin Avenue SRO
1221 Magoffin Avenue
Missouri Street SRO
510 Missouri Street
Myrtle Avenue SRO
1318 Myrtle Avenue
Homeless single women
(without children)
12 unit SRO (Single
Room Occupancy)
Women’s Resource
Center
1208 Myrtle Avenue
Homeless single women
(without children)
Emergency Shelter/
Transitional Living
Willie Sanchez Rosales
Family Center
510 S. Oregon
Homeless Families
Emergency Shelter/
Transitional Living
20 unit SRO (Single
Room Occupancy)
39 unit SRO (Single
Room Occupancy)
2012-2015 Plan
Based on the growing needs of the homeless and the increasing number of homeless families in our
community, the Opportunity Center for the Homeless will seek to address the housing needs through
the development of additional target-specific housing programs and facilities. These may include:
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The development of the 510 S. Oregon Street complex to include a transitional housing
component for homeless families. Unlike other family shelters and transitional programs, this
facility will accept the family unit as a whole and not separate the fathers/sons based on age.
The facility will be designed to include common areas, private bedrooms and shared restrooms,
common dining hall, kitchen and laundry rooms. As described above this facility was opened on
September 1, 2013. It is still in its development stage.
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The development of a facility targeting homeless men in a transitional or Single Room
Occupancy setting. Such a facility may include special needs populations such as persons in
recovery, the mentally disabled, or chronically homeless. Though needed, there is as yet no
opportunity or funding to create such a facility. Land has been purchased that can possibly be
used for such development.
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The development of a facility targeting homeless single women—especially those with mental
illness and substance abuse issues--in a transitional or Single Room Occupancy setting. There
has been no opportunity or funds to develop such a program. Currently, our Woman’s Resource
Center has become the safety net to save those mentally ill females from the streets. This
facility has been increasingly burdened as governmental agencies and hospitals find no other
place to discharge homeless women.
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[IV]
The development of target-specific long-term affordable housing through a collaborative
partnership with TVP Non Profit Corporation. Such housing may include HUD 811 (mentally and
physically disabled), HUD 202 (elderly) or LIHTC (homeless or populations at 30% AMI). This
partnership has allowed us to create a HUD 811 project housing 15 individuals in their own
apartment. The potential development of additional units of affordable housing targeting 30%
AMI (Area Median Income) is in sight.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless currently provides a wide array of supportive services to the
homeless population. These include:
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Case Management
Employment Counseling and Placement
Housing Placement
Mental Health Initiative (This program is currently in jeopardy due to HUD budget cuts.)
Prescription Assistance
Homeless Youth Initiative (This program will be closing due to HUD budget cuts.)
Coordinated Transportation Program
Clothing Closet, access to showers, mail, telephone
Centralized Feeding Program (3 meals per day)
Computer Classes
GED/English as a Second Language
HIV/AIDS Education and referral network
Veterans Outreach Services
Each of these services is available to all residents of the various emergency shelters and other housing
components operated by the Opportunity Center for the Homeless. In addition, homeless persons from
other shelters, those residing on the street or other places not meant for human habitation are also able
to access the services as needed. It should be noted that a significant percentage of the area’s homeless
service providers frequently refer their clients to the various supportive services programs operated by
the Opportunity Center for the Homeless.
2012-2015 Plan
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Expansion of current Transportation Program to include evening services and possibly overnight
services through a closer coordination with Sun Metro. Service expansion will include
incorporating designated time frames and routes for homeless women and families. Secure
additional vans as needed to assure a smooth operation and consistency of service. A
partnership was developed with Sun Metro, the City Transportation Service, and a grant was
secured with the Texas Department of Transportation. This partnership has allowed increased
coverage of the transportation needs of homeless in area shelters.
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Establishment of a mentoring program for all homeless populations with an emphasis on single
women, potentially homeless veterans and homeless youth. Mentoring will be done utilizing
community volunteers, churches, etc. Still a dream.
Expansion of employment program that could include career counseling and a stronger
Workforce Development presence. Still a dream.
Incorporate mental health services into the evening and weekend hours to address emergency
situations that arise. We are hoping that a developing partnership with the local mental health
authority, Emergence Health Care will expand these services.
Expand medical alliance with University Medical Center to address emergency medical needs
after normal operating hours of current clinic. This alliance should include the incorporation of
an LVN to assist in the distribution of medications for homeless persons after normal operating
hours of the medical clinic. A partnership with our local general hospital, University Medical
Center, has grown as our caseworkers try to connect those homeless who enter the hospital
Emergency Room to the primary health care of the on-site homeless clinic, operated by Centro
San Vicente. Our greatest challenge at the moment is the capacity of the Homeless Clinic to
care for those referred by the hospital.
Secure dental and vision assistance funds and programs. No opportunity has arisen in this area.
[V] COMMUNITY SUPPORT-EDUCATION
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless is fortunate to have a wide array of volunteers, communityminded organizations, churches, businesses and others involved in assisting our guests in overcoming
the obstacles of homelessness. Each and every day of the year there is a volunteer group that serves the
homeless at the Center.
Realizing that the Opportunity Center is facing many changes, we must begin by implementing a variety
of community outreach efforts over the next several years.
2012-2015 Plan
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Establishment of a full-service website that will be used to inform the community of upcoming
programs, events, changes and opportunities to donate to the Opportunity Center for the
Homeless. Such a website has been developed and continues to be managed by our staff.
Please see www.homelessopportunitycenter.org.
Establishment of a “Speaker Bureau” to better communicate the story and needs of the
homeless and the Opportunity Center. As yet no additional progress.
Expand outreach efforts to area faith-based entities and the businesses community to educate
them on the issues of homelessness. As yet no additional progress.
Expand donor development within the local business community. Hosting business
luncheon/education sessions. As yet no additional progress.
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Secure a full-time Volunteer Coordinator for all components of the Opportunity Center
(emergency shelter and other housing programs) to more effectively coordinate volunteers at
crucial times. This has not yet happened.
[VI] BOARD and STAFF DEVELOPMENT
The Opportunity Center for the Homeless is fortunate in many ways as it relates to the staff makeup and
the Board of Directors. Few agencies have been able to achieve a proper mix between communityminded men and women, compassionate men and women and client participation in the makeup of
their Board. The Opportunity Center has what we believe to be the perfect blending of all necessary
components to a successful Board. The Board serves a variety of terms ranging from 1-3 years on a
staggered basis. Realizing the importance of responding to the needs of our clients, the Board has
incorporated several homeless or formerly homeless persons, co-locating agency representatives, faith
based representatives, community businesses and social organizations.
In addition to having an all-encompassing Board of Directors, the staff of the Opportunity Center for the
Homeless is comprised of a wide variety of men and women, many who have been or are currently
homeless. This unique makeup of the staff provides the organization with the opportunity to assure that
the voice of the homeless is heard and responded to. Currently, 50% of the staff have been homeless at
some point in time and 17% of the Board of Directors have been or are homeless at this time.
Realizing the importance of further developing both the Board and staff, the Opportunity Center for the
Homeless will seek to incorporate the following:
2012-2015 Plan
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Continue quarterly staff development days to address target-specific issues.
Establish semi-annual Board and staff roundtable discussions
Continue current Management Staff meetings and Case Managers meetings to discuss the
overall operations of the organization
Continue to host quarterly SRO/TLC housing meeting between key staff and Board members
Continue participation in the local and state homeless issues and conferences as deemed
necessary and appropriate. Include board in conferences as needed.
ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES
Although the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has funded supportive services in
the care of homeless individuals and families in past years, current changes in the way it views homeless
issues and prioritizes its funding mandates that its dollars be designated solely for permanent housing.
Funding for supportive services that HUD has funded for many years is now being eliminated. Over the
course of the next two years, this change will cause the Opportunity Center to lose both its operational
funding for emergency shelters and the supportive service dollars that we have used to serve our
homeless for the last 10 years. The Center will have to develop a whole new funding structure in order
to continue its mission and care for the hundreds of homeless individuals that walk through our doors.
CONCLUSION
We feel this strategic plan is realistic if we wish to continue to address the increasing needs of the
homeless. The Opportunity Center will forge forward and will seek collaboration whenever and
wherever it is possible, yet never compromise in our belief that all homeless persons have a voice, a
right to access quality services, and a right to be treated in a humane and compassionate manner. In
addition, we will continue to realize that homelessness knows no boundaries and is a 365 day a year
epidemic that does not take holidays.
The organization as a whole accepts this plan as our road map to achieving our mission statement. While
there may be deviations from the road, we will come to a common ending point “Protecting the
homeless if they are not capable”.
“OFFERING HOPE TO THE HOMELESS”
i
Institute for Policy Studies, “Battered by the Storm”, 12/09