Linda Mason, 54 has taken every computer course the Opportunity Center for the Homeless has to offer. She and 70 other El Paso homeless people received certificates of completion Wednesday morning during an awards ceremony at the shelter. The students are from the various local shelters.

"Graduating from high school, I didn't think an education over a high school education was important," said Mason, who enrolled at El Paso Community College yesterday.

The Opportunity Center are English and computer courses, but there are more.

"We are sometimes able to coordinate with volunteers to teach Spanish, a self-investment course which can be a bridge to the workforce or higher learning. They teach you everything from budgeting, to financial aid, to interviewing and resumes," said Rena Miller, the education coordinator.

It's the only education program in the state where you have to be living in the streets or in a shelter to be eligible.

"I never looked down on homeless people because some of them can't help where they're at," said Mason.

She said she was able to walk out of an abusive relationship that almost killed her. A year later, she has completed every computer class the center has to offer.

Free courses like these give hope to some of these people.

"Most of our homeless population can't speak English, and even if you have documentation and you're a legal resident and can work, but you don't speak English you're already at a huge disadvantage," said Miller.

Mason is proud of her achievements and said it's never too late to better your life.

"Just don't give up, decide to go back. It took me 37 years to decide to go to college," said Mason.

Homeless people enrolled in courses are also eligible for apartment housing provided by the shelter.

If you would like to teach, you can call the Opportunity Center at 577-0069.