By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor
Frustration, anger, and sadness dominated the press conference held by the leaders of Galveston Island Family Crisis Center on Tuesday. The center was ordered closed by the county health department, and all residents were ordered to leave April 6.
There was some confusion and frustration reported by staff and board members regarding the way the decision to close the shelter was managed by the county.
Since 1999 homeless families have found shelter at 2127 Avenue M. Families have come in asking for help in desperate situations, many being evicted from their homes feeling hopeless and lost.
The shelter has provided both a place to live and a place for families to begin rebuilding their lives.
Nicole, once a resident at the shelter made a passionate plea. “The community needs to come out and get the building back to where it needs to be. This place has done wonders for the community!” exclaimed Nicole.
She is now living in a house and is working in the hospitality industry in Galveston.
A resident of Galveston, Regina Diaz had a request for the public: “Please support this center,” Diaz exclaimed through her tears. “We need it in Galveston!”
There is no argument about the need for a family shelter. Homeless families are seen sleeping in cars by many residents of Galveston. The question now is how and where the need will be met.
“We are working on plans for the future,” said David Holmen, president of the board of directors for The Children’s Center Inc.
“We don’t have a timeline for when we will reopen, but we are meeting every day and working on a plan for reopening at another location,” explained Executive Vice President Hilda Garcia.
The center was closed due to health department inspections that found signs of rodent infestations, fleas and resident children had tested positive for lead in their blood. Lead is found on the grounds of the facility.
When the shelter was closed, all the residents were placed in temporary locations. Many of them are soon to be evicted from those locations, and the staff are working with other non-profit organizations to help find living spaces for those who once stayed at the shelter.
Though the shelter is closed, Children’s Center Inc will continue to offer other services, such as shelter for homeless runaways.
The leadership and staff are not giving up. They are moving forward. With support from the community, they plan to have another shelter for homeless families. “We might need to get into a newer building that is more energy efficient,” suggested Holmen. Any future shelter will not be at the former location This was confirmed by both Holmen and Garcia.
Holmen and his family were once residents of the shelter. He has gone on to have a rewarding career in the auto industry, and his children have grown up and are doing well. He is living proof that temporary circumstances of homelessness do not have to limit a family’s future when caring people open their hearts to help and guide the way.
