Shelter Has 30 Days To Comply To City Codes

‘Tis the season when many are thankful for many things.

One local organization is grateful it can stay open through the holidays, but the clock is ticking as the city cracks down on Dame La Mano Family Crisis Center.

City officials said they are aware this isn’t a typical case. That there are several lives involved, nonetheless the shelter has to be legal and safe.

Families and organizers at Dame La Mano were all smiles Wednesday afternoon as they celebrated Christmas and more importantly, they were overjoyed to get the chance to spend the holidays together at their temporary home.

“We got a letter that we had to vacate the premises immediately,” said shelter director David Arellano about the notice of violation the city of El Paso sent him this month.

City inspector found the shelter was in violation of several codes including not having a certificate of occupancy and operating in a manufacturing district.

“The issue we have today is as it stands this is not safe housing for people,” said city engineer Alan Shubert.

He said technically the shelter cannot stay in its current building unless the zoning code for the property is changed.

“What they’d do is apply for rezoning — it goes through the city planning commission. The planning commission makes a recommendation that says ‘We think it should be or should not be rezoned’ and ultimately the city council decides,” Shubert said.

Area business owners would also be able to publicly give their opinions before council.

Shubert told ABC-7 it is about a 12-week process.

He said getting a certificate of occupancy will depend on if the shelter gets rezoned and if the building is up to code for its use.

“Because we can’t issue a building permit for an improper zone — it can’t be done. They need to bring plans, show us ‘Here’s how we’re going to amend this building to meet the code.’ Then we can issue building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits. And that work can be done and inspected and then they can get the certificate of occupancy that says this is a legal homeless shelter,” said Shubert.

The shelter will have to make several changes to comply to city housing codes.

“If you have the 86 people that potentially this building could hold, you’re going to need more sanitation facilities, you’re going to need more showers, more plumbing, accessible restrooms, you’re going to need appropriate egress, appropriate fire protection, exit signs — all these kinds of things that keep people safe in the building,” Shubert explained.

The city is giving the shelter 30 calendar days to respond to the notice and comply to the violations, but the shelter needs help.

“(We need to) put a sprinkler system and fire alarm for safety. And the city is just doing this for safety issues,” Arellano said.

He said the shelter houses about 19 families — more than 70 men, women and children.

The nine rooms upstairs are crammed with people. Downstairs, tarps divide a large room into six sections.

The shelter is a temporary home for the families to get back on their feet.

“They just need time to regroup, save some money and go on their own,” said Arellano.

City officials said if the shelter does not get rezoned, the Community Development Department would work with the families to find them safe housing.

To help Dame La Mano Family Crisis Shelter, call 915-603-4865.