Homeless panel’s future looks dim

By Timothy Pratt (contact)

Friday, Nov. 15, 2002 | 10:30 a.m.

The only group involving the largest local governments in tackling the homeless problem regionally was declared at a standstill Thursday by its founder, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

The announcement came a day after the 10th annual Stand Down -- an event meant to help the homeless -- drew a record 2,428 people. It also was two weeks after a ballot question meant to raise money for a housing trust fund through increased property taxes lost with only 36 percent of the vote.

Pointing to the failure of ballot Question 11, Goodman said the group, known as the Southern Nevada Homelessness Task Force, could no longer continue its work unless the private sector stepped to plate. Question 11 would have earmarked some funds to aid the homeless.

At the same time, Tina Roth, director of corporate philanthropy for MGM MIRAGE and one of two members of the task force from the private sector, said businesses don't see a unified front when it comes to addressing the problem, and isn't sure how far the group will get with the mayor's approach.

"Unfortunately, the public has spoken," Goodman said. "Apparently, the ballot box has shown the public's support for the issue.

"(And) I don't know what's expected of us ... if they don't want us to have the money to address the issue."

But Roth said it's difficult for the private sector to know how to help with the problem when so many agencies seek support, each with a different plan.

"Coming from the private sector, we look for collaboration, and we're not seeing collaborative efforts ... (or) a united front," Roth said. "Just putting money into a trust fund isn't going to work because at the same time different service providers who work with the homeless are all asking us for money to end homelessness.

"But I don't see the buy-in from the providers and the public for the task force's plan. They haven't said, 'This is going to work.' "

The mayor spoke at the task force's first meeting since June, when it broke until the elections were over. Goodman established the group in February 2001, and led it to make a five-point plan for ending homelessness and another for how to put the plan in action through a trust fund.

But none of that would now be possible without financial help from the region's businesses, Goodman said.

"There's no Hitler here, there's no monster trying to hurt these folks," he said.

"There's only so much money ... and we don't have it."

Goodman also said the downtown area visited by tourists is increasingly facing problems due to growing numbers of homeless people.

"The homeless situation is making it difficult for downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street is deluged with folks, making it difficult for businesses ... (who) have the burden of homeless people thrust upon them," he said.

Doug Bell, director for Clark County Community Resources Management, spoke to the task force about two services for the homeless that may be lacking in the coming months due to the absence of funding.

They were the Crisis Intervention Center, a one-stop social services center for the homeless that will be without funding come March 1, and a shelter for the winter months -- formerly provided by MASH Village.