MASH, city try to strike a deal

Diana Sahagun

Tuesday, May 8, 2001 | 9:41 a.m.

No deal has been reached between MASH Village and Las Vegas officials after days of negotiations, but both sides seem intent on reaching a resolution that will keep the homeless shelter open permanently.

The Rev. Joe Carroll, who heads the shelter, agreed on Thursday to keep it open another 10 days. This was after the City Council on Wednesday had decided not to amend a contract that would have allowed MASH Village to buy the land on which the homeless shelter sits.

Ruth Bruland, executive director for MASH Village, said she met with city officials Friday and Monday. She said no agreement on a land sale has been made.

Bruland said the sticking point continues to be ownership of the land and that MASH Village officials are also trying to work with the City Council and Mayor Oscar Goodman on their goals to guide the homeless issue toward a regional level.

Andrea Reitan, a city spokeswoman, said a new contract relating to MASH Village could be presented to the City Council as early as May 16, when it next meets.

Bruland said Carroll wants to continue operating in Las Vegas, although indications last week were that he would close the shelter in 30 days.

The downward spiral was a result of the City Council Wednesday deciding not to amend the shelter's contract after Carroll made an ultimatum -- he told the city to either make a decision immediately or he would shut the shelter down.

Bruland said the constant changing of the status of the shelter has put staff and the homeless in a state of anxiety.

"The mood has been a roller coaster ride," Bruland said. "Everyone has gone from despair to hope -- back to despair -- and now we're on the hope path."