Guinn eyes homeless forum

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Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001 | 9:04 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn has asked Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson to select Nevada as one of eight states to develop plans to help the homeless with such things as health care and housing.

A state that is selected would send 10-14 leaders to two forums to meet with top federal and private policy makers Nov. 27-28 in Santa Fe, N.M., and in Philadelphia next February or March.

Guinn said the Nevada team would be headed by his two top staff members, Chief of Staff Marybel Batjer and Deputy Chief of Staff Michael Hillerby. It would include legislators and state officials and the tab would be picked up by the federal government.

"We must continue to improve our efforts to be more effective in addressing the needs of Nevada's homeless," Guinn said, adding that this was a chance for the state to "learn to do business in a new and more effective way."

The first forum will focus on eliminating the barriers to services for homeless families with children. The second meeting will deal with persons who are chronically homeless, including those with mental health or substance abuse problems.