Child Crisis Center Reports Increase Of Military Children At Shelter

The executive director of the El Paso Child Crisis Center told ABC-7 he has seen a significant increase in the number of military children staying at the shelter.

While the director didn’t disclose the number of children who are cared for by shelter staff on a weekly basis, Al Velarde said the percentage of kids with parents at Fort Bliss has increased from less than 2 percent of its population to 24 percent.

Velarde said families on post have normal stressors, on top of being alone in a different city.

“They just don’t have family here to assist them in their time of need, so they turn to us,” said Velarde.

Velarde added that he doesn’t believe it’s due to a spike in actual need, rather that those needs are finally being addressed. He attributes this to additional funding for the Crisis Center that allows it to expand its outreach programs onto the post. Velarde said Ft. Bliss officials are also helping by referring families to the center.

“By knowing we can help take care of these child issues for them, their soldiers are going to be much stronger and much more capable of doing their work because they’re getting the assistance they need with their family,” said Velarde.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Child Crisis Center at (915) 562-7955.