Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV), a non-profit inclusive organization, dedicated to reduce poverty and tend to the most vulnerable has teamed with Georgetown University to host a competition to design and build a permanent Humanitarian Respite Center in downtown McAllen, Texas. For four consecutive years, a temporary shelter has served nearly 100,000 immigrants seeking asylum. Welcoming them with radical hospitality, the center has helped refugees regain their dignity and has offered hope to carry on their difficult journeys ahead. 

"250 soles entering the humanitarian respite center in downtown McAllen, Texas" Photo Credit: Verónica Cárdenas

The Humanitarian Respite shelter in the downtown section of the City of McAllen, Texas was born as a response to families in crisis. Through its services and the work of volunteers, it successfully restores dignity to people in need, particularly Central American immigrants seeking refuge crossing the border from Mexico to the US.Since its setup in 2014, it has operated in the borrowed space of a Parish Hall and is currently reduced to limited rental space. It has served nearly 100,000 immigrants to date. Hundreds of volunteers, coming from cities in the Rio Grande Valley and arriving from all 50 states and abroad have come together to offer a helping hand, sharing inspirational stories of their connection with immigrants. Tons of goods have been donated, thanks to the contributions and...