Ohkay Casino Hotel Launches Community Support Initiative for Local Shelter Through ATM Donations

The Ohkay Casino Hotel has taken a commendable step towards community engagement by teaming up with the Española Pathways Shelter to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing housing challenges in Northern New Mexico. By implementing a new program that allows guests to donate their spare change directly at ATMs, the casino aims to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness through a seamless and effective approach.

Enabling Direct Contributions

Commencing June 1, 2026, guests visiting Ohkay Casino Hotel can now easily contribute to the Española Pathways Shelter when cashing out from Ticket-In, Ticket-Out (TITO) vouchers. The ATMs equipped with this donation option allow users to round up their cash-out to the nearest dollar or choose to donate small additional amounts, which might seem trivial individually but can collectively yield significant support for individuals in need.

Travis Garlick, General Manager of Ohkay Casino Hotel, expressed the importance of community involvement, stating, “At Ohkay Casino Hotel, we believe being a good neighbor means finding meaningful ways to give back. This partnership allows our guests to make a difference with just the touch of a button.” This initiative exemplifies how small actions can lead to big results, and at Ohkay Casino, they have made it easy for community-minded guests to contribute to a crucial cause.

A Lifeline for the Community

The Española Pathways Shelter provides vital services such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, and case management for individuals and families grappling with homelessness or housing instability. The organization is dedicated to connecting clients with essential resources like housing support, healthcare services, and food assistance, all of which are tailored to foster stability and independence among the community's most vulnerable members.

Dena Moscola, the Executive Director of Española Pathways Shelter, applauds the partnership, stating, “We are honored to partner with Ohkay Casino Hotel in supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Their generosity strengthens our ability to provide shelter, support services, and hope to those working toward stability and housing.” It highlights the vital role community collaborations play in addressing pressing social issues.

Raising Awareness Alongside Funds

Adding to the financial assistance aspect, this initiative serves to enhance awareness about the struggles of homelessness in the Española Valley. With support from patrons of the casino, the organization aims not just to facilitate temporary relief but also to connect individuals with long-term resources that can lead to lasting change. Ken Carnahan, Assistant General Manager at Ohkay Casino Hotel, noted, “This is what community partnership looks like. Our guests now have a convenient way to support a local nonprofit that is doing important work every day.”

Conclusion

This newly launched ATM donation program stands as a reminder of the strength that community ties can foster in times of need. By encouraging casino patrons to contribute to Española Pathways Shelter, Ohkay Casino Hotel showcases how businesses can play an influential role in uplifting their community. It reflects an ongoing commitment to social responsibility and engagement.

Guests eager to learn more about the initiatives of Española Pathways Shelter and the support they provide can visit their website at EspanolaPathwaysShelter.org. Together, the Ohkay Casino Hotel and Española Pathways Shelter are transforming the lives of those in their community, one small donation at a time.