Warming stations for homeless opened

By Dave Clark (contact)

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 | 10:40 a.m.

Sun weather

Current conditions, today's forecast, neighborhood weather conditions, historical climatological information

Snow On The Strip

Viewing video requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player

Visitors and workers on the Las Vegas Strip experience snow throughout the day.

DEC. 17, 2008 SNOWFALL IN LAS VEGAS

You need to upgrade your Flash Player

Five locations in the Las Vegas Valley opened Wednesday as warming stations to provide shelter for those without access to heat.

Regional Homeless Coordinator Shannon West said the success of the cooling stations set up throughout the Las Vegas Valley during the summer made the opening of more warming stations possible.

"We just had such good luck with people understanding the protocols," she said.

The program is targeted toward helping the homeless escape the elements, West said, while also giving officials an opportunity to get individuals the assistance they need.

"Everyone needs a place to stay warm," Valley View recreation team leader Christopher Figueroa said. "It's always good for the city to provide areas for people who don't have home accommodations."

During the periods when the summer cooling station was open, he said, about three or four people showed up each day. Individuals who arrive are set up in the conference room or lobby area.

The warming station status is typically triggered when temperatures dip to freezing. While the weather on Monday did not reach that threshold, West said, the addition of rain and snow was enough to prompt a designation of severe weather.

Last year's winter program headquartered at Salvation Army and Catholic Charities served more than 400 people a night and referred more than 1,500 to services. Last year also saw the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Commission expanded its services to include 200 year-round overnight beds to homeless with limited mobility.

During the emergencies, HELP of Southern Nevada passes out fliers to homeless individuals and provides transportation.

The following Daytime Warming Stations are open through Friday, Dec. 19: Catholic Charities, 1501 N. Las Vegas Blvd. from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Salvation Army, 33 W. Owens from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Cambridge Recreation Center, 3930 Cambridge Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dula Gym, 441 East Bonanza Road from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and in Henderson, Valley View Rec Center, 500 Harris Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.