County frees grants to help subsidize laid-off workers

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001 | 9:03 a.m.

Clark County administrators expect that the $1.6 million they freed up in federal and state grants will help pay the rent for almost 600 families hurt financially as a result of last month's terrorist attacks.

Commissioners agreed to take grant money given to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program -- a housing subsidy -- and put it toward the county's Emergency Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program.

The money was taken from housing projects that have been postponed or rejected.

Mike Alastuey, the county's assistant manager, said about 15,000 full-time hotel employees have been laid off since the economic downturn in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

Because those laid-off workers aren't significantly contributing to the local economy by shopping and eating in local restaurants, county officials believe the ripple effect could ultimately result in 30,000 lay-offs.

The county has already pledged $200,000 to the United Way to help keep displaced workers from being evicted, and commissioners planned to work with developers on a plan to provide apartments at no cost.

Alastuey said the county's goal is to return residents to work with as little damage to their financial stability as possible.

"We want to get them employed and back in the work force," Alastuey said.

Bertha Warrick, assistant director of the county's Social Services Department, said that in addition to financial assistance, there are plenty of institutions and organizations prepared to provide employment-related assistance.

The state welfare department's program for new employees of Nevada (NEON) is providing things such as job search workshops, skill training and community work experience programs.

Community College of Southern Nevada has a work-source program targeting low-income, underemployed or unemployed residents. It offers computerized resume services, developmental workshops, job fairs, labor market information and a statewide job bank.

The state's Employment Security Division offers vocational or academic training, a job bank, individualized planning, skills testing and workshops.

Nevada Partners offers bus passes, computer training, job readiness training and resume assistance.

The Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation program assists residents with disabilities, and Nevada Business Services offers preparation for high school equivalency testing, skills training, job counseling and on-the-job training.