Bringing the H.O.P.E+ (Homefree. Outreach. Prevention. Education)+ to the community
H.O.P.E+ (Homefree. Outreach. Prevention. Education) has partnered with agencies and organizations throughout El Paso and surrounding areas to provide information, education, resources, and assistance to our homefree community. UTEP students from various departments such as social work, occupational therapy, nursing, and clinical laboratories have the opportunity to network, learn about the agencies and issues surrounding marginalized groups, and become more involved in the community through hands-on experience.
HOPE+ is a grant initiative that is evolving into a prospering community one-stop-shop for all homefree individuals. With diverse definitions of what “homefree” is, HOPE+ invites all people to take part in such a holistic event. Community partners commit to serve the homefree community despite barriers to services, making physical and mental health a priority. With many communities and individuals facing unsecure living situations across El Paso and border towns, HOPE+ hopes to expand event services to many more homefree individuals.
The next HOPE+ Health Fairs are set to take place on June, August, and October of this year. The Opportunity Center for the Homeless has been the event location for all past fairs and has been instrumental to the success of H.O.P.E+. However, with the new grant and HOPE+ initiative, the next locations will be targeting Socorro, San Elizario, Northeast and Segundo Barrio area. With more funding and community efforts, the HOPE+ initiative will successfully serve the El Paso and surrounding homefree communities. The diversity and resilience seen in homefree individuals are amplified and spread across the community partners and volunteers that make the HOPE+ Health Fair possible. Students from different disciplines have the opportunity to work together, in our community, under the guidance and leadership of faculty that made this possible. Together, we can strengthen El Paso, enrich student’s service learning, and improve the quality of life of our community.