Homeless funds placed on hold

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001 | 9:38 a.m.

Unsure of whether the local economy will experience a dramatic shortfall since last week's terrorist attacks, the Las Vegas City Council Wednesday decided to wait two weeks before deciding how to distribute $200,000 in emergency weather shelter funds.

Homeless advocates had been hoping the city would contribute a portion, $50,000, to MASH Village to open the temporary winter shelter in October. The homeless community has been experiencing a shortage of beds from the recent demolition of Catholic Charities' shelter that will not reopen until next year.

MASH Village has funding to operate the winter tent from Dec. 15 to March 15, 2001, the normal operating months. Ruth Bruland, executive director of MASH Village, said the center needs $100,000 if it were to open Oct. 15, two months early.

Clark County has already committed $50,000 to open the shelter in October, and in August urged local governments to "match" the grant based on their homeless populations. The city was asked to contribute $191,400, but the number has since been reduced because air conditioning units are no longer needed.

Council members fear they may have to spend wisely if casino occupancy rates and airline bookings continue to drop, affecting the community. The $200,000 was budgeted from the city's general fund revenue.

Sharon Segerblom, director of the city's Neighborhood Service Department, said families could wind up on the streets due to layoffs at local casinos. The MASH tent holds 250 beds only for single men.

"We have to wait and see what happens with Las Vegas," Mayor Oscar Goodman said. "Will the planes be full? Will the casinos be full?"