There may be new life for Lamar Elementary School.
Lamar last housed students in 2010. Since then, the Corpus Christi Independent School District used the building as office space; but it’s been empty since earlier this year.
“I don’t think the building should be empty,” said Hector Delalto. “I think the building should be up and running.”
The Ed Rachal Foundation agrees.
The foundation bought the building in May, and intends to re-purpose Lamar Elementary Into a new home for the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. That means a homeless shelter potentially moving in to the neighborhood.
“It’s a good place to have it,” said Delalto. “There’s homeless people all around here, they need help as much as anybody else.”
Others suggested having a place for those down on their luck is exactly what the city needs.
“We’re human and I think everybody deserves a second chance,” said Esmeralda Cervantes. “We should help one another, not destroy one another.”
People living near Lamar Elementary say they’re not concerned about a homeless shelter potentially coming into their neighborhood. In fact, they’re more excited to hear the building might be put to good use again.
“That place is a good place because it’s pretty big,” said Cervantes. “If they all don’t fit inside, they can put them outside, make a little tent or something.”
Good Samaritan officials couldn’t be reached for comment.
Asbestos removal and some demolition is slated to start soon. When or if the school becomes a shelter remains to be seen.
