Letter: Community can respond to homeless crisis

Friday, March 15, 2002 | 4:19 a.m.

Thank you for your March 12 editorial, "Homeless plan needs deadline." It is important that the long-range plan for serving the needs of the homeless community begin to be implemented. Low-cost housing, health care, assistance finding jobs, mental health services, a center for gambling addicts and more detox facilities are all worthy and needed social services for the Las Vegas Valley. A plan needs to be agreed upon now so that these services can be in place as soon as possible.

In the interim, we need enough basic services to accommodate as many homeless people who are willing to access shelter, showers and restrooms. The current situation is woefully inadequate. From now until August, when Catholic Charities expect to open its new building, we have a shortage of shelter, showers and restrooms. When the temporary MASH tent closes later in the spring, before August, the terrible situation will be even worse.

It is a challenging situation for the political and business leaders of this community. This community is capable of responding immediately to this crisis. There are resources and talent enough to provide enough shelter, showers and restrooms from now until Catholic Charities construction is completed in August. There are billion-dollar corporations operating here with national and international reputations in hospitality. Is there a willingness to respond immediately to the needs of our homeless community? Certainly, there is the ability to respond.

DAVID BUER Editor's note: The writer is a Franciscan brother and advocate for the homeless.