LV might offer rental help for the homeless

Judy Odierna

Tuesday, April 15, 2003 | 10:08 a.m.

Las Vegas may soon begin helping homeless people cover some of the costs of a place to live.

The City Council on Wednesday is expected to approve $300,000 for rental assistance and utility payments aimed at getting homeless people off the streets, out of shelters and into their own apartments. The funding comes from federal HOME funds and would be administered by HELP of Southern Nevada.

"It's the link that is missing that can help keep people from remaining homeless," said Neighborhood Services Director Sharon Segerblom. "This is another resource in the community that can help homeless families get into job training by having a stable place to live. It reflects the council and the mayor's objective to assist the homeless in a positive way rather than open another shelter."

To qualify for the program participants would have to agree to work with a social worker on individualized plans to achieve self-reliance, Segerblom said.

"By putting them into their own living conditions they will have to learn responsibility and meet certain benchmarks," such as seeking employment and continuing counseling, said Deni Conrad, executive director of HELP of Southern Nevada. "If they don't meet benchmarks then the assistance is no longer there."