Editorial: Homeless plan could benefit all involved

Monday, June 23, 2003 | 8:36 a.m.

We support Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's view that homelessness is a problem best solved with a regional plan. So far, the only plan presented is one that would have all the local governments pitching in to support a homeless facility in Las Vegas. Although there is a growing recognition in Henderson that it has a homeless problem, and doubtless many of its homeless travel to Las Vegas for services, the city has refused to share in the cost of a facility in Las Vegas.

In order to get the regional idea moving, we suggest a different plan. Each local government should contribute to a fund that would be used throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Perhaps the bulk of the money could be used to support a large facility in Las Vegas, where most of the homeless congregate. But a good percentage could be used to set up satellite services in Henderson and North Las Vegas, with support staff rotating in and out on a regular basis. Under this plan, homeless people throughout the Las Vegas Valley could receive services and local governments could receive tangible returns on their investments.

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