Patricia Baker of Nevada JobConnect gives information to jobseeker Carlly James during Project Homeless Connect, an annual service and resource fair for at-risk and homeless people, at Cashman Field Center Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 | 2 a.m.
Any night of the week, more than 6,400 homeless people are on the streets of Southern Nevada. Almost 25,000 residents, including families and unaccompanied youths, will experience homelessness at some point this year, according to the 2017 Southern Nevada Homeless Census and Survey.
On Nov. 14, Project Homeless Connect tore down some of the barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty and homelessness. Held at Cashman Center, the 25th annual event was hosted by Nevada Homeless Alliance and Help Hope Home in partnership with more than 150 nonprofits.
“Every year we get more direct-services providers and volunteers, and through that we’re able to provide a more comprehensive and robust event,” Emily Paulsen, executive director of Nevada Homeless Alliance, said.
Pop Up Project
In August, Nevada Homeless Alliance launched Pop Up Project Homeless Connect, a mini version of its larger event. It's held every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Corridor of Hope, 1401 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Volunteers and donations are needed: [email protected]
Some services offered at the event targeted specific sub-populations or those at risk of homelessness, such as youths, veterans or seniors. Others were more general, addressing joblessness or providing free haircuts or pet supplies.
Medical booths provided a wide range of immediate care as well as information or help with enrollment in longer-term treatment programs. That included dental and vision exams and basic care (including free glasses), HIV/AIDS screenings and mental health services such as counseling. Clean needles were given to diabetic insulin users and others with health conditions or addictions to intravenous drugs.
This was the second year Project Homeless Connect offered a booth dedicated to 'Pastoral Services.' While Sue Coladarci of University United Methodist Church started it as a Christian booth, it was expanded to include other faiths, ranging from Catholicism to Judaism.
Working with Temple Beth Sholom, volunteer Zev Nadler acted as a shoulder to lean on. “I’ve experienced where they’ve been. By the time I was 15, I had a needle in my arm,” he said.
Because of his experience, Nadler understands how vital jobs are to lifting people out of homelessness or situations that lead to it.
“I only hire ex-felons or people who are homeless. I wanted to be that guy who gives them a second chance,” Nadler said of opportunities to work at his company, Serenity Landscaping.
Lunch at the event was scheduled for 10 a.m., and by 9:45, the line nearly reached the opposite side of the convention center. Waiting to eat the meatloaf and potatoes were several families. A young boy pushed his little sister as the line progressed, with no parents in sight.
“We’ve seen an uptick and increase in younger people and families coming in,” said volunteer Kandy Miller, who works in the kitchen at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.
Several booths were sectioned together for veterans services, representing 17 nonprofits alongside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Barriers faced by the general homeless population are amplified for veterans, as many struggle to cope with trauma tied to their service, or to translate their skill sets to the civilian workforce. Organizations at the event, including the Salvation Army and United States Veterans Initiative, aimed to house veterans first and then provide wraparound services.
Clark County Family Court, Las Vegas Justice Court and Las Vegas Municipal Court were present, helping homeless individuals resolve arrest warrants. Fines were waived for defendants who agreed to do the equivalent in community service at a rate of $8.25 per hour, or by working at Goodwill, which partnered with the courts.
Last year, Goodwill hired six Project Homeless Connect attendees full-time, according to David Cervantes, who has coordinated Las Vegas Municipal Court’s participation for five years.
A Clark County representative shared that this year, 2,639 people were helped in one day by Project Homeless Connect.
