SAN ANTONIO — A new center in west San Antonio is now open, its purpose evident in its name.
The Impact Center hopes to make an impact on people who are on the streets and struggling.
Pastor Jimmy Robles of Last Chance Ministries said transforming lives starts by building relationships.
"We don't call them prostitutes," he said. "We don't call them heroin addicts. We don't call them homeless. As you can tell, we call them by their name."
Pastor Robles has had the west-side building for several years. It is located off North Zarzamora Street, near West Poplar.
"We don't want to be that church that are out there screaming, 'You are going to go to hell,' this and that," he said. "We are not here to judge."
Recently, he decided to make it the Impact Center. It's a refuge that for now is only open on Mondays.
"They see the love through us by our actions," Robles said.
Volunteers serve those who need a helping hand. At the center, people can eat, take a shower, find new clothes and even get a haircut.
"With us, they come and sit down," the pastor said. "They know that people are going to feed them. We love them. We give them a shower."
Pastor Robles said the sole purpose of the center is to transform lives.
"It is not something fancy or anything," he said. "It is just to show you, you don't need nothing fancy, nothing too expensive, nothing too big. You just need willing hearts."
He said the impact is created by building relationships and getting to know the people.
"Compassion is a thing, man," he said. "San Antonio, we don't want to lose that compassion. We don't want to lose that love. We are known for that."
The Impact Center is located at 1311 North Zarzamora Street. Pastor Robles said they're in desperate need of men's clothing, volunteers and barbers who are willing to give back their time and talent. You can call them at (210) 227-4451.