Embattled Southwest Key closing Montana Vista shelter

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — Southwest Key’s Casa Trail House shelter in Montana Vista is closing, according to a letter sent to KTSM.

The letter reads in part: “Southwest Key will discontinue providing services to the office of Refugee Resettlement for the care of unaccompanied children. As a result, Casa Trail House will close and all program staff will be laid off effective Nov. 9.”

Sources have told KTSM that there are about 700 employees at the facility.

This 25-acre shelter, funded through federal grants, opened in October 2020. It is located in Montana Vista and is designed to accommodate more than 500 children.

Southwest Key did not give a reason for the closure.

As we previously reported, the Department of Justice is suing the nonprofit, accusing employees at some of their shelters, including one in Downtown El Paso, of raping, touching, and soliciting sex and nude images from children.

Southwest Key sent us the following statement, saying that services at their Montana Vista shelter are being discontinued and the facility will close. About 670 people work there.

“Since assuming management there nearly three years ago from the previous operator, Casa Trail House has served thousands of children and youth, and everyone there can take pride in the efforts they made to support those who needed our help.  We are sincerely grateful for their efforts. Nonetheless, we will end operations at Casa Trail House effective September 10, 2024.

“All staff at Casa Trail House will continue to receive pay and benefits through November 9.  Additionally, we will collaborate with the Texas Workforce Commission to assist Casa Trail House employees in exploring other employment opportunities and writing resumes.

“Southwest Key Programs thanks all the staff at Casa Trail House for their commitment to the shared mission. Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.”

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