ODESSA, Texas — Thursday's ribbon cutting for the reopening of the Odessa Salvation Army wasn't just a regular celebration. It was addressing a problem that is seen in Midland and in Odessa.
"The fact that we are at capacity in both Midland and Odessa, the fact that in Midland there's cots going up and down the hallways because we won't turn anyone away, we could try to ignore it, but the problem is real," said Robert Cortison, commanding officer and captain of Salvation Army Midland/Odessa.
That's why both local chapters officially merged, so they can tackle the homeless problem together. The Odessa shelter has been accepting clients since December 2023, but now is about reigniting a mission to serve.
"Now we're finally to the place where not only can we house safely, but we can feel this sense of community and happiness, and we're just excited to get rolling," Captain Cortison said.
The Odessa location has 54 beds and three hot meals a day for men, women and families.
"They do need this because there is a lot of people that are homeless and in in families that are in need like myself, you know, so we see people coming through daily," said Odessa Salvation Army client Julian Salazar.
Captain Cortison also rolled out a new ID program in Odessa that will bridge the ultimate gap on the road toward self-sufficiency. That means those who are on the street can now take the first step to getting an identification card, which in turn, can land them a job.
"We used to require identification, but now if they don't have that we say come anyways and allow us to help get identification," Captain Cortison said. "Thanks to a grant from Chevron, we were able to start a program where we get ID's, birth certificates, Social Security cards, all the roadblocks that would stop them from getting employment, disability bank accounts. Anything that would get in the way."
With the doors now open in both Midland and Odessa, the community is better equipped to help the homeless get back on their feet.
"When the Odessa shelter was closed, the sheltered Midland felt that," Captain Cortison said. "It was even more important to make sure that we are open in both locations. The great thing about being so close is we get to share the resources, we get to share our caseworkers, we get to share our ID program. We got to bring everything over here and everything from here. We got to bring over there."
Salvation Army's mission to serve, give back and uplift continues to grow.
"I would like to work for these people because it’s learning experience for my kids because then later when they get older, I would like for them to give to the people that are in need," Salazar said. "I want my kids to be sheriffs or our fire department firemen. But yeah, I want them to be giving kids."