A homeless shelter founded by one of Arizona’s most prominent apartment developers has made a significant impact on the Tucson area in a short amount of time.
The H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Center of Opportunity, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in June is the brainchild of Humberto S. Lopez.
Born in Mexico, Lopez worked hard from a young age to care for his family after the sudden death of his father plunged them into poverty. Upon graduating from the University of Arizona, he built HSL Asset Management from the ground up over 50 years, hiring thousands of employees and developing more than 30,000 multifamily units, 11 hotels and numerous shopping centers and offices.
Lopez has used his success to invest millions into philanthropy to serve his community.
“I’m very blessed, and I’m sharing my blessings,” he says.
From vacant hotel to beacon of hope
In 2017, Lopez seized a rare opportunity.
A Holiday Inn in Tucson used for big events and conferences with more than 300 rooms went up for sale. Lopez saw its potential as a unique location to house people in need of help in a more comfortable, peaceful and dignified setting than many shelters are able to provide.
The sprawling lobby offers relaxed seating areas, a piano and billiard tables. Meals are served restaurant style. A library, gym, dog kennel, park, theater and Christian chapel provide additional opportunities for residents to feel welcome and connected while improving their wellbeing.
Lopez said he cares deeply about treating residents of the center with dignity and respect.
“I want to give them a nice place to go where they will have access to all the services they need to get back on their feet and reintegrate with society under one roof,” he said.
Lopez’s passion for the mission stems from his experience as a multifamily housing developer, he said.
“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of safe and stable housing,” Lopez said. “I know that housing is not just a basic necessity but also a foundation for individuals to thrive. By combining my knowledge and expertise in housing development with my commitment to addressing homelessness, I can contribute to creating sustainable solutions that uplift the entire community.”
Providing more than a safe place to sleep
A former ballroom provides space for 150 emergency shelter beds, while standalone casitas provide private housing for families.
Wraparound services, including job training and placement, addiction recovery, medical and dental care, counseling, life skills classes and more, empower people to reach self-sufficiency, according to Lopez.
“By providing a holistic approach, we can empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and lead fulfilling lives,” he said.
The faith-based nonprofit Gospel Rescue Mission is the primary organization running the center, but more than 50 other groups also partner to provide services.
“Having this collaborative center is really a dream come true,” Gospel Rescue Mission CEO Lisa Chastain said. “It really is a gift back to the city.”
Plans for the future
The results have exceeded Lopez’s initial expectations, he said.
In five years:
- 747,375 meals were served
- 15,115 guests received at least one service
- 1,861 individuals secured permanent housing
- 1,652 individuals secured new employment
- 1,055 children were served
- 490 individuals completed a 12-month recovery program
“The center has become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change,” he said. “It has become a place where people experiencing homelessness can find not only immediate relief but also long-term support to rebuild their lives. The center’s impact goes beyond providing basic needs; it has become a transformative force in the lives of many individuals, helping them regain their confidence, independence, and sense of purpose.”
Lopez says he isn’t finished. He envisions expanding the center, as well as providing a national model for other states to copy.
He hopes wealthy individuals elsewhere will become partners with HSL Center of Opportunity and follow its lead.
Leaders from around the country have toured the facility in search of inspiration, Lopez said.
“The word is spreading,” he said.
