Goodwill San Antonio announced that construction is underway on its new Opportunity Center, a 154,000‑square‑foot employment‑training facility located at 343 W. Houston St. in downtown San Antonio. The repurposed former medical office building will serve as the nonprofit’s new headquarters and replace a nearby training center that is roughly twenty times smaller.
Massive Expansion of Training Capacity
According to President and CEO Carlos Contreras, the new center will enable Goodwill to serve roughly 1,500 individuals each year – a projected increase of about 700 % over the current facility’s capacity. The building’s first through third floors are already framed, with sheetrock being installed on the upper levels. A new heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning system has also been put in place.
Goodwill plans to use the space for a variety of vocational programs, including medical assisting, nursing aide, pharmacy technician, manufacturing, construction, dental assisting and HVAC technician training. Angelique DeOliveira, chief mission services officer, said the organization is conducting due‑diligence to identify the highest‑need occupations for future pathways.
Community Impact and Partnerships
San Antonio faces significant workforce challenges: more than 15 % of adults lack a high school diploma, and roughly 38 % earn less than twice the federal poverty level. Employers report difficulty finding qualified workers. By expanding training opportunities, Goodwill aims to close that gap, giving families the tools to earn sustainable wages.
The Opportunity Center will also house other nonprofit agencies that provide disability support, vocational rehabilitation, financial empowerment and mental‑health services, creating a one‑stop hub for residents seeking comprehensive assistance.
Funding and Local Support
The $60 million project will be funded largely by Goodwill’s own resources, supplemented by a capital campaign – only the third such effort in the organization’s 81‑year history. Contreras emphasized that the initiative aligns with Goodwill’s long‑standing mission of “repurposing and reusing,” turning an underutilized downtown building into a vibrant community asset.
The site’s location next to San Pedro Creek Cultural Park, the Alameda Theater and upcoming transit projects (VIA’s Green Line and Silver Line) makes it accessible for residents who rely on public transportation.
Goodwill’s Role in the City’s Workforce Strategy
Goodwill San Antonio is a prime contractor under the city’s Ready to Work program, which has recently faced budget scrutiny at City Hall. Contreras expressed confidence that the community will continue to back the program, noting that Goodwill also employs many of its trainees, offering flexible schedules that accommodate class times and personal responsibilities.
All programs are open to anyone seeking career advancement, with no income requirements and accommodations for people with disabilities. A waiting list already exists for many of the health‑care tracks, underscoring the demand for skilled‑training opportunities in the region.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
