The Humanitarian Respite Center first opened as a temporary shelter in June 2014 in the parish hall of Sacred Heart Church in McAllen, just two blocks from its current location. The respite center offers immigrants awaiting court hearings a place to eat, shower, and spend a night in safety before they travel to meet relatives in other cities and states.
For 10 years Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, in collaboration with many local organizations and faith groups, has served thousands of families. Together they have demonstrated to the nation and the world what is possible when we come together to serve the most vulnerable.
In observance of the 10-year anniversary, Bishop Daniel E. Flores celebrated a Mass at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen on June 4, 2024.
