Editorial: Shelters save lives

Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 | 9:09 a.m.

We have supported the Bush administration's objective of reducing homelessness by funding long-term housing arrangements that are paired with counseling. Michael Stoops, a national advocate for the homeless, also supports the concept. "(Permanent housing) really is the ultimate solution," said Stoops, who is director of community organizing for the National Coalition for the Homeless, a nonprofit group based in Washington. Over the past year, permanent housing units for area homeless people have grown from 620 to 653, an increase of 5.3 percent. But in an interview Tuesday with the Sun, Stoops also said, "At the same time we can't neglect those who need shelter for the night."

Local statistics, however, show a trend in that direction. An April census showed that the homeless population, now estimated at about 7,800 in the Las Vegas Valley, is growing about 4.5 percent a year. But the number of emergency shelter beds has not kept pace, increasing just 2.6 percent over the past year, from 1,501 to 1,540. The result is a chronic shortage of shelter space.

Another example of declining government support for shelters is this year's application by Clark County for federal homeless funds. The application seeks money for 138 more units of permanent housing -- but no money for shelters. This reflects Clark County's understanding of reality. Applications patterned after Bush administration policies will likely be awarded; those differing will likely be futile.

The Bush administration is embracing a "one solution fits all" strategy. But there will never be enough federal, state, local or privately donated money to put all or even most homeless people into permanent housing. And there will always be men, women and children -- countless numbers of them -- who will need the lifesaving presence of a shelter.