Charity buys full-page ads in response to criticism

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003 | 10:57 a.m.

Catholic Charities has taken out full-page ads in the two major newspapers of the Las Vegas Valley today, responding to what it calls "negative remarks and continual harassment ... by some advocates."

The ad, which cost nearly $5,000 and was paid for by the Diocese of Las Vegas, said the charity's 19 programs meet the needs of thousands of poor and homeless people in the valley, despite what unnamed advocates are saying.

Frank Richo, director of homeless services for the agency, said the ad was needed to correct misinformation spread by advocates who "talk to television and newspapers," though he wouldn't say who is doing the talking, where or when.

At recent meetings about making winter shelter available for the homeless, some advocates have said that the agency should postpone renovating a building in order to provide emergency beds. They said the agency wouldn't be truly charitable if it didn't make this decision. The renovation, which would create a one-stop center for social services, was postponed and the beds are now available.

But Richo said the ad was a long time coming, and the agency felt it was time to speak out.

"This has been going on for years, and we haven't responded," Richo said.

The agency official said "(The ad) is worth every penny for the Las Vegas community to get this message ... since unless we let people know this ... donations we get won't be as great, if the wrong message gets out there."

Linda Lera-Randle El, a self-described advocate and director for the nonprofit Straight from the Streets, questioned at least one part of the ad's "message."

The ad's third paragraph says the charity provides "limitless beds for emergencies. No one is turned away who needs a bed for the night."

But Lera-Randle El said the homeless men of the valley understand a different message.

"They're saying 'yes,' but people on the street are saying 'no,' " she said.