Elected officials aren’t responsive to homeless

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003 | 9:07 a.m.

It was wonderful to see the outpouring of sympathy for the homeless from diverse groups in the valley. When the news came that there would be no blankets and coats available at the Stand Down, the valley residents responded.

If only we had had the same response from elected officials in Las Vegas after the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition held its summit meeting on Sept. 13, 2001. One hundred citizens participated, with the goal of developing comprehensive programs to help the homeless address their core problems.

Instead, we have had one police sweep upon another, with the approval of the local political authorities. Selective enforcement of jaywalking, loitering and other laws were directed against the homeless. This only wasted money and increased the pain of being homeless. While this has been going on, services have been reduced. Today we have 300 fewer shelter beds than last year and there is no emergency shelter to protect the homeless from weather extremes.

Meanwhile, where is the state funding needed to help the homeless people who are mentally ill? Shouldn't some of the money from the tobacco settlement be directed toward mental health care? The state of Nevada must live up to its responsibility.

FRANK PERNA