City Council OKs funds to help homeless shelters

The Las Vegas City Council approved funding Wednesday to help homeless people with restrooms and emergency shelters.

The city agreed to contract with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada for a six-month period beginning Sept. 1 to open restrooms from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. seven days a week at 1501 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Clark County will donate $15,000 to the project, beginning March 1, 2000, for six months. North Las Vegas is expected to approve $5,000 in funding.

The City Council also approved $300,000 in city funding for four nonprofit organizations for emergency shelter services.

MASH Village received $70,000 to fund a temporary winter shelter. Last winter the tent housed 250 men from Dec. 16 to March 16.

The Salvation Army received $130,000 to operate the Day Resource Center. The center is now open 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday, providing access to showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. The funding will allow it to be open on Sundays.

Shade Tree Shelter for Women received $54,000 for operations. Shade Tree is the only emergency shelter for women and children in the area.

Catholic Charities was given $46,000 for its emergency shelter. That shelter provides 175 beds for homeless men.

Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald, who serves on the Catholic Charities board, abstained from both votes.

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