14th Annual Homeless Stand Down in Las Vegas

An amazing 288 homeless individuals received various forms of housing on November 8, 2006. There were 60 veterans and 228 families. This event served over 2,000 people, and was the largest event of its kind ever in Southern Nevada.

The stand down is free and open to homeless individuals. The daylong event was coordinated by the Nevada Homeless Alliance and is co-sponsored by the City of Las Vegas.

As part of the 14th annual event, local governments, charities, shelters, service providers, businesses and others involved in helping homeless people in Southern Nevada joined forces. They provided a wide range of services from housing to health care, all available in one place at one time. Over 700 volunteers responded for this activity. The Las Vegas HUD Field Office Director, Kenneth J. LoBene along with his staff was there to provide assistance wherever needed.

"This event is always an important part of the regional Help Hope Home initiative to help homeless people get off the streets," says Shannon West, regional homeless services coordinator. The idea is to bring the community together to give people the help, hope and housing that they need. Many resources were available. Most of the major service providers in Southern Nevada were on hand. Thanks to some great donors, food, clothing and personal care items were provided to everyone who attended.

Leading local providers were on hand to help homeless people individuals and families with access to housing, transportation, job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, child care, and veterans and legal services.

Kenneth J. LoBene, HUD Las Vegas Field Office Director, Eduardo Cabrera, HUD Region IX Homeless Agency Coordinator and Mayor Oscar Goodman, City of Las Vegas, Nevada, discuss the event.

Participants included Clark County Social Services, City of Las Vegas, city and county courts, emergency shelter and housing providers, Nevada Health Centers, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, employment and training agencies, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department HELP (Homeless Evaluation Liaison Project) Team, street outreach service providers, state welfare and mental health agencies, the Veterans Administration, and faith-based groups and various housing providers.

Latest research shows the local homeless population at more than 14,500 in the local area. This includes an increasing number of homeless veterans, families and children. The Clark County School District reports that more than 3,700 homeless children are enrolled in local schools.

Statistics indicate that 16 percent of homeless people in Southern Nevada are employed, 25 percent are veterans, 31 percent are disabled, 33 percent have lived here at least 10 years and 73 percent have at least a high school education.

Organizers are constantly seeking support from local residents, businesses and organizations. People can donate money or provide in-kind services at this yearly event and for the Help Hope Home initiative in general. This year over 35 donor organizations participated. A not-for-profit account, called the Homeless Trust Fund, has been established. The fund is administered by the United Way of Southern Nevada to help the homeless in Southern Nevada year-round.