County Hopes to avoid troubles over homeless

Adrienne Packer

Monday, Aug. 6, 2001 | 10:30 a.m.

As Las Vegas leaders fend off criticism regarding their treatment of the homeless, Clark County officials hope to stay out of the cross-hairs of homeless advocates by presenting a report on their services.

Administrators will present what they believe to be a favorable status report to commissioners Tuesday.

The commission will also be asked to address the lack of beds for the homeless by challenging cities in the county to raise $600,000 to open Mash Village's emergency shelter for nine months. Clark County would contribute $231,000.

Assistant Clark County Manager Mike Alastuey said the status report was requested by commissioners who are frequently approached by homeless advocates.

"The county has stepped up on a number of occasions, providing capital and operating support," Alastuey said. "There is the possibility all of the major government entities in the valley providing some contribution to alleviate the circumstances."

Since 1995 Clark County has contributed $11.3 million in county and federal grants to nonprofit agencies that provide services for the homeless, according to a county report. "The county plays a substantial role, and that is fairly well-known," Alastuey said. "We want to bring commissioners up to date on what the county has done so far."

Patricia Price, an activist for the homeless, agreed that Clark County has dedicated millions from community development block grants. She said that employees and commissioners also hold in-house canned food drives and collect clothing.

Price, who has worked with the homeless population in the Las Vegas Valley for 25 years, said advocates have no reason to badger the county as they have the city of Las Vegas the past several weeks.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman infuriated homeless supporters by first allowing Metro Police to shoo away squatters in "Tent City," a homeless encampment along the railroad tracks near Main Street and Owens Avenue.

He then offended advocates by suggesting the homeless be moved to a prison in Jean that is no longer used by state government.

"The city is taking the heat, and they did it to themselves," Price said. "City officials, as far as I'm concerned, have been disrespectful in their handling of the homeless situation."

Catholic Charities closed its 175-bed emergency shelter for renovation, and MASH Village was forced to cut back its beds and services after a deal with the city for the land fell through. The city also failed to successfully renegotiate MASH Village's contract.

MASH Village shut down its 250-bed tent used for winter shelter in April.

In her request to "challenge" the community to raise money for MASH Village, Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny is proposing that each jurisdiction's contribution reflect the number of homeless in that area.

The proposals suggest the county collect $230,809. It also proposes that Las Vegas raise $191,403; Henderson, $78,813; North Las Vegas, $50,666; and Mesquite, $5,629.