Recognizing that immigrants continue to cross the Texas-Mexico border in large numbers, CCRGV understands firsthand the growing need for essential services that provide hope during emotionally daunting and physically exhausting times. Taking action to address this rising imperative, Catholic Charities has purchased land in the City of McAllen to build a new respite center that will better meet the needs of the families that CCRGV serves each day. Located only two blocks from McAllenu2019s main bus terminal, the new Humanitarian Respite Center at this site will be positioned to welcome and serve the most vulnerable as they continue to pursue a new life in the United States.

To engage both community members and architects from around the globe, CCRGV has launched an architectural design competition in support of the new respite center. All interested architects and firms are invited to submit designs for the new center based on the detailed space requirements outlined by Catholic Charities. These program requirements include spaces such as:
A spacious multi-purpose room designed to host welcome sessions, large meals, and overnight accommodations for up to 300 individuals
More advanced medical exam facilities, including a physicianu2019s office for medical volunteers
Support spaces including an updated kitchen, an expanded laundry facility, and increased storage space
A dedicated chapel to provide space for worship and reflection

To realize this ambition for a new Humanitarian Respite Center, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley turns to the broad philanthropic community for support in this endeavor. Commitments from friends of CCRGV will directly back the construction of this newly designed centeru2014enabling Catholic Charities to provide an even greater level of care for many years to come.u00a0