written by Mike Lee, homeless advocate
...The current Mayor could care less than tweddle deed um about homeless people and is content with simply paying us lip service and tossing us a few crumbs. “Yo honey hand them kids a lollypop so they’ll shut up and I can continue my self-indulgent way.” On the flip side, Ms. Coon appears to be a concerned person willing to listen.
She appears to be a strong, intelligent, moral individual who wants to do what’s best for her future constituents. As homeless people we understand that a change in the present regime must occur if we are to have any future which does not include being treated like children. Ms. Coon when elected may do nothing for our community but she will listen to our leadership which is a positive step forward to ending homelessness. It is in our best interest to vote for Ms. Coon and I personally encourage our advocates and friends to do likewise.
For the sake of argument let me say you could care less about the homeless. Like Goodman and his underling Gary Reese you scream “Filthy, stinky bums get a job.” I want you to look out your front door. Like what you see? Go drive around the city. See all the graffiti, abandoned buildings, trash, broken windows? Read the Review Journal. Rape, robbery, mayhem. Taking all this into consideration, do you think your quality of life is enhanced by the present administration? Like me as a citizen you have to say no!
The number of incidents and arrests associated with the recent NBA event screams for change. The present administration embraces and promotes such immoral and criminal acts to the detriment of all. It squanders law enforcement dollars by arresting homeless people for misuse of a bus stop. It encourages blight by allowing perfectly suitable housing to be boarded up and trash to pile up in vacant lots. As residents of Las Vegas whether homeless or not, we should be demanding for change. On April 3rd we can make that change happen by voting for
Sandra Coon - Mayor http://www.sandracoonformayor.com/index.html
Stacy Truesdell – Ward Five http://stacietruesdell.com/
Joe Sacco - Ward Three http://www.votejoesacco.com/index.html
Shawn Spanier – Ward One http://www.shawnspanier.com/index.php
To read the full article: www.on-the-nickel.blogspot.com
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Please Join Us on Wed., March 28, 2007 for
Breakfast and to Support bill AB-126
March 21, 2007
Dear Family Promise Supporter:
Today I am writing you about something very important to the future of transitional housing and supportive service programs for our state. Currently, before our State Legislature is a bill AB-126. This bill has been proposed by Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie. On February 18, 2007, I traveled to Carson City with a large group of supporters in order to participate in a Tent City Event and testify before a legislative committee regarding this bill. This bill is scheduled to go before the Nevada State Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee on March 28,2007. In a nutshell, AB-126 will designate $10 million for Southern Nevada and $10 million for Northern Nevadato address the regional plan for transitional housing and supportive services. These funds are desperately needed by Nevada Regional Homeless Commissions to meet the crisis need of transitional housing as a first priority and then provide wrap-around services to assure successful outcomes for our clients.
How can you help?
On Wednesday, March 28th at 8 a.m. it is critical that we fill the meeting room #4401 ofthe Grant Sawyer Building on the corner of Washington and Las Vegas Boulevard, across from Cashman Field. Onthis date and at this time all attending will be part of a teleconference directly linked to the Nevada State Assembly Ways and Means Committee in Carson City.
Our Assistant County Manager Darryl Martin will be in Carson City with other representatives from our region. At the same time we in Southern Nevada will be gatheringin a meeting room at the State of Nevada Building room #4401 and it is critically important that we fill this room and overflow it if possible to show the support for this much needed financial assistance from our State.
For those of us that provide services to homeless individuals and families we have long recognized that the seriousdeficit of transitional and affordable housing in Southern Nevada is the number one barrier to getting our clientson the “Road to Success”. We must have transitional housing matched with supportive services and we musthave immediate assistance from all corridors of funding to achieve this goal.
I have read many statements from our major faiths this year that include statements of reaching out and assistingour brothers and sisters that are trapped at or below the line for poverty. Sadly, this housing issue affects all ofus. I cannot tell you how many people I know, including my own adult children that struggle to maintain a quality ofhousing in an economy that has spun out of control. If those of us that are working and have never been homeless cannot afford decent quality housing, how can we imagine that individuals and homeless families can even dream of achieving this goal.
It is my hope that all of you that share this mandate to reach out and help those who cannot help themselves willjoin me on Wednesday morning March 28th and become a visually loud and clear message that the community isasking for our states assistance with passage of Assembly Bill AB-126.
Terry Ruth Lindemann, Executive Director
Family Promise of Las Vegas is a 501-(c)3 non-profit organization. This message is non-partisan in content and intended to request support of important program goals of our agency
Please [see below] for more information about this event and Bill AB-126
Wednesday Morning, March 28th at 7:00 a.m.
JOIN US AT 7 A.M. IN FRONT OF CASHMAN FIELD, ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GRANT SAWYERBUILDING FOR A BREAKFAST GATHERING. IF POSSIBLE, THE ORGANIZERS FOR THIS BREAKFASTRALLY ASK THAT YOU BRING DONUTS, PASTRIES, JUICE, ETC. FOR SIX HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS.
My Favorite Quote: “WE MUST BE VISABLE PROOF OF OUR CALLING” (Dietrick Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Minister and WWII Advocate for the rescue of our Jewish brothers and sisters from the hands of the Nazi’s)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talking Points on AB 126, “Homelessness Bill”
Ways and Means Committee Presentation 3-28-07
Nevada has the dubious distinction of leading the nation as the state with the highest percentage of its citizens that are homeless, only Washington D.C. is higher. Nevada’s current population is 2,414,807.
Conservatively, approximately 16,000 people at any given time are homeless in Nevada, although the number of individuals who experience homelessness during a year could be 2-3 times that number. People move in and out of homelessness, with most individuals homeless for short periods of time.
A growing amount of research shows that providing transitional/supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness is effective, and cost effective, approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness and strengthening our communities.
AB 126 proposes that $20 million be appropriated to local governments to fund transitional housing with supportive services for targeted homeless populations throughout the State of Nevada. If approved by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the funds would be disbursed over the biennium, at $10 million per year.
What is the Intent of Transitional Housing?
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
3. Do what is morally right.
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community.
Currently, in Northern Nevada $14 million is being spent on homelessness, between social services, law enforcement, first responder, medical, and judicial services. The long-term societal costs are extensive (children’s education, individual independence, mental illness, and family stressors). Programs such as Drug Court and Mental Health Court are perfect examples of how Nevada can effectively dealing with pressing social issues.
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
Currently there are load/capacity problems and resource inefficiency driven by homeless individuals, especial experienced by service providers related to health care, detention facilities, judicial services and housing services. In Northern Nevada, the biggest provider of homelessness services is the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department. The situation is similar in Clark County and the rural areas of Nevada.
Cost of housing in Washoe County’s Detention Facility $81.51/day
Cost of housing in Northern Nevada's ReStart ANCHOR Program $31/day
Cost of housing in a State of Nevada Shelter (including care programs)
$26/day
3. Do what is morally right.
Everyone has a right to housing. The fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness are women and families, while the number of homeless youth is increasing. Approximately 14% of the homeless population are veterans. The most common factors leading to homelessness in Northern Nevada are domestic violence, inability to find an affordable house or apartment, unemployment, sudden illness in the family, and unforeseen major expenses, such as medical and car repairs. Approximately 20% of the homeless population is chronically homeless, mostly individuals with substance abuse problems and mental illness.
The Unmet Need of Beds in Nevada
Southern Nevada
Transitional housing beds - 1,382
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 2,589 (240 for families)
Reno, Sparks & Washoe County
Transitional housing beds - 120
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 821 (474 for families)
Rural Areas
Transitional housing beds - 489
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 999 (702 for families)
There is a more effective and resource efficient strategy to solving the issue of homelessness: this is to provide well-designed housing and supportive services for those who experience homelessness.
What Can Be Done?
Call, write, and speak to your State Senate or Assembly representative and show you support for AB 126. Visit www.leg.state.nv.us to find out who your representatives are and their contact information.
Contact members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and urge them to support AB 126. Go to www.leg.state.nv.us for a list of the committee members.
Write letters to the editor of your local newspapers.
Write a letter of support for AB 126 and email it to ajmcclure@planevada.org by March 21st. The submissions will be given to the Ways & Means Committee.
Attend the Ways and Means Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 28 at 8am, either in Carson City or by teleconference in Las Vegas. We need large numbers of people to show up in support for this important and much needed legislation. Your participation can make the difference!
If you would like more information
Contact PLAN at (775) 348-7557 or (702) 791-1965
Dear Family Promise Supporter:
Today I am writing you about something very important to the future of transitional housing and supportive service programs for our state. Currently, before our State Legislature is a bill AB-126. This bill has been proposed by Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie. On February 18, 2007, I traveled to Carson City with a large group of supporters in order to participate in a Tent City Event and testify before a legislative committee regarding this bill. This bill is scheduled to go before the Nevada State Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee on March 28,2007. In a nutshell, AB-126 will designate $10 million for Southern Nevada and $10 million for Northern Nevadato address the regional plan for transitional housing and supportive services. These funds are desperately needed by Nevada Regional Homeless Commissions to meet the crisis need of transitional housing as a first priority and then provide wrap-around services to assure successful outcomes for our clients.
How can you help?
On Wednesday, March 28th at 8 a.m. it is critical that we fill the meeting room #4401 ofthe Grant Sawyer Building on the corner of Washington and Las Vegas Boulevard, across from Cashman Field. Onthis date and at this time all attending will be part of a teleconference directly linked to the Nevada State Assembly Ways and Means Committee in Carson City.
Our Assistant County Manager Darryl Martin will be in Carson City with other representatives from our region. At the same time we in Southern Nevada will be gatheringin a meeting room at the State of Nevada Building room #4401 and it is critically important that we fill this room and overflow it if possible to show the support for this much needed financial assistance from our State.
For those of us that provide services to homeless individuals and families we have long recognized that the seriousdeficit of transitional and affordable housing in Southern Nevada is the number one barrier to getting our clientson the “Road to Success”. We must have transitional housing matched with supportive services and we musthave immediate assistance from all corridors of funding to achieve this goal.
I have read many statements from our major faiths this year that include statements of reaching out and assistingour brothers and sisters that are trapped at or below the line for poverty. Sadly, this housing issue affects all ofus. I cannot tell you how many people I know, including my own adult children that struggle to maintain a quality ofhousing in an economy that has spun out of control. If those of us that are working and have never been homeless cannot afford decent quality housing, how can we imagine that individuals and homeless families can even dream of achieving this goal.
It is my hope that all of you that share this mandate to reach out and help those who cannot help themselves willjoin me on Wednesday morning March 28th and become a visually loud and clear message that the community isasking for our states assistance with passage of Assembly Bill AB-126.
Terry Ruth Lindemann, Executive Director
Family Promise of Las Vegas is a 501-(c)3 non-profit organization. This message is non-partisan in content and intended to request support of important program goals of our agency
Please [see below] for more information about this event and Bill AB-126
JOIN US AT 7 A.M. IN FRONT OF CASHMAN FIELD, ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GRANT SAWYERBUILDING FOR A BREAKFAST GATHERING. IF POSSIBLE, THE ORGANIZERS FOR THIS BREAKFASTRALLY ASK THAT YOU BRING DONUTS, PASTRIES, JUICE, ETC. FOR SIX HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS.
My Favorite Quote: “WE MUST BE VISABLE PROOF OF OUR CALLING” (Dietrick Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Minister and WWII Advocate for the rescue of our Jewish brothers and sisters from the hands of the Nazi’s)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talking Points on AB 126, “Homelessness Bill”
Ways and Means Committee Presentation 3-28-07
Nevada has the dubious distinction of leading the nation as the state with the highest percentage of its citizens that are homeless, only Washington D.C. is higher. Nevada’s current population is 2,414,807.
Conservatively, approximately 16,000 people at any given time are homeless in Nevada, although the number of individuals who experience homelessness during a year could be 2-3 times that number. People move in and out of homelessness, with most individuals homeless for short periods of time.
A growing amount of research shows that providing transitional/supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness is effective, and cost effective, approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness and strengthening our communities.
AB 126 proposes that $20 million be appropriated to local governments to fund transitional housing with supportive services for targeted homeless populations throughout the State of Nevada. If approved by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the funds would be disbursed over the biennium, at $10 million per year.
What is the Intent of Transitional Housing?
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
3. Do what is morally right.
1. Reduce financial and societal costs to the community.
Currently, in Northern Nevada $14 million is being spent on homelessness, between social services, law enforcement, first responder, medical, and judicial services. The long-term societal costs are extensive (children’s education, individual independence, mental illness, and family stressors). Programs such as Drug Court and Mental Health Court are perfect examples of how Nevada can effectively dealing with pressing social issues.
2. Reduce load on mainstream service providers while using resources more effectively and efficiently.
Currently there are load/capacity problems and resource inefficiency driven by homeless individuals, especial experienced by service providers related to health care, detention facilities, judicial services and housing services. In Northern Nevada, the biggest provider of homelessness services is the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department. The situation is similar in Clark County and the rural areas of Nevada.
Cost of housing in Washoe County’s Detention Facility $81.51/day
Cost of housing in Northern Nevada's ReStart ANCHOR Program $31/day
Cost of housing in a State of Nevada Shelter (including care programs)
$26/day
3. Do what is morally right.
Everyone has a right to housing. The fastest growing segment of those experiencing homelessness are women and families, while the number of homeless youth is increasing. Approximately 14% of the homeless population are veterans. The most common factors leading to homelessness in Northern Nevada are domestic violence, inability to find an affordable house or apartment, unemployment, sudden illness in the family, and unforeseen major expenses, such as medical and car repairs. Approximately 20% of the homeless population is chronically homeless, mostly individuals with substance abuse problems and mental illness.
The Unmet Need of Beds in Nevada
Southern Nevada
Transitional housing beds - 1,382
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 2,589 (240 for families)
Reno, Sparks & Washoe County
Transitional housing beds - 120
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 821 (474 for families)
Rural Areas
Transitional housing beds - 489
Permanent-supportive housing beds - 999 (702 for families)
There is a more effective and resource efficient strategy to solving the issue of homelessness: this is to provide well-designed housing and supportive services for those who experience homelessness.
What Can Be Done?
Call, write, and speak to your State Senate or Assembly representative and show you support for AB 126. Visit www.leg.state.nv.us to find out who your representatives are and their contact information.
Contact members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and urge them to support AB 126. Go to www.leg.state.nv.us for a list of the committee members.
Write letters to the editor of your local newspapers.
Write a letter of support for AB 126 and email it to ajmcclure@planevada.org by March 21st. The submissions will be given to the Ways & Means Committee.
Attend the Ways and Means Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 28 at 8am, either in Carson City or by teleconference in Las Vegas. We need large numbers of people to show up in support for this important and much needed legislation. Your participation can make the difference!
If you would like more information
Contact PLAN at (775) 348-7557 or (702) 791-1965
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Out of Iraq Rally March 17 and,
Candlelight vigil March 19
The Las Vegas Out of Iraq Coalition invites you to a patriotic protest against the continued occupation of Iraq on the fourth anniversary of the invasion. We demand that Congress end the occupation and fully fund medical care for all injured veterans.
On Saturday, March 17 we will meet on the plaza in front of the Federal building, 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd., at 2 PM.
This demonstration, in solidarity with gatherings across the nation and a March on the Pentagon, will be the largest yet in Las Vegas.
Bring American and Nevadan flags, make a sign or hold one of ours, and invite your friends. We will have tabling to sign petitions and write letters to our elected officials and provide information about Las Vegas's many progressive organizations.
On Monday, March 19 at 7 PM Vicenta Montoya and Democracy for America will host a Candlelight Interfaith Vigil at the same location to remember and mourn the deceased, the injured and the displaced and to demand a withdrawal from Iraq. Bring your signs, candles and flags. Poets, musicians and artists are especially invited to perform their anti-war statement.
What: Peace Rally, 2 PM Saturday March 17th and Candlelight Vigil 7 PM March 19th
Where: Lloyd George US Courthouse 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd. for both events.
Why: Take a stand and send a message to Congress. Enjoy camaraderie with like-minded souls.
Bring: Signs, flags, snacks water, a chair if you want, and a candle for the Monday vigil.
For more info:
www.lasvegasantiwar.org
lasvegasantiwar@cox.net
or call: 702-241-8578 or 702-526-8445
On Saturday, March 17 we will meet on the plaza in front of the Federal building, 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd., at 2 PM.
This demonstration, in solidarity with gatherings across the nation and a March on the Pentagon, will be the largest yet in Las Vegas.
Bring American and Nevadan flags, make a sign or hold one of ours, and invite your friends. We will have tabling to sign petitions and write letters to our elected officials and provide information about Las Vegas's many progressive organizations.
On Monday, March 19 at 7 PM Vicenta Montoya and Democracy for America will host a Candlelight Interfaith Vigil at the same location to remember and mourn the deceased, the injured and the displaced and to demand a withdrawal from Iraq. Bring your signs, candles and flags. Poets, musicians and artists are especially invited to perform their anti-war statement.
What: Peace Rally, 2 PM Saturday March 17th and Candlelight Vigil 7 PM March 19th
Where: Lloyd George US Courthouse 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd. for both events.
Why: Take a stand and send a message to Congress. Enjoy camaraderie with like-minded souls.
Bring: Signs, flags, snacks water, a chair if you want, and a candle for the Monday vigil.
For more info:
www.lasvegasantiwar.org
lasvegasantiwar@cox.net
or call: 702-241-8578 or 702-526-8445
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Forgotten Voice Newspaper Launched
Forgotten Voice Newspaper Launched
On Sunday, March 4, 2007 the official launch of the Forgotten Voice newspaper was held across the street from Las Vegas City Hall at Frank Wright Plaza.
Forgotten Voice is a street paper in which homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, write and produce. The mission is to be a voice for homeless people.
The objectives for Forgotten Voice are:
To publish a street newspaper written mainly by homeless people, formerly homeless people, and homeless advocates in order to empower them and give them a voice;
To build and enhance a sense of community and facilitate positive communication between homeless people, homeless advocates, service providers, and the general public;
To build awareness of social services that are available to poor and homeless people, and other such information that would be educational to the homeless population;
To expand and redefine our charitable, educational, and literary program from time to time as necessary to meet the continuing need to empower homeless people.
If you are homeless, formerly homeless, or a homeless advocate, you are encouraged to write and submit an article so that your voice can be heard.
To submit your fiction, journalism, artwork, photography, or poetry please send it to Forgotten Voice 9901 W. Sahara Avenue #1183 Las Vegas, NV 89117.
Or, attach the file electronically via email to Amanda Haymond, President at amanda@forgottenvoice.org, .
Submissions deadline is the 14th of every month.
To view the first issue of Forgotten Voice online, click on the following link:
http://www.forgottenvoice.org/archive/FV_V1_No1.pdf
Visit Forgotten Voice homepage at www.forgottenvoice.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Photos taken of the launch of Forgotten Voice March 4, 2007
Photo Credit: Gail Sacco, homeless advocate
As the launch gets started, two Metro bike officers talk with a couple of gentlemen just outside of the Frank Wright Plaza at Fourth and Stewart.
Food Not Bombs and Father Flanagan LTD, homeless advocates
Homeless Advocates and Homeless chatting
William Cole Sr., homeless and strong homeless advocate who has recently received his BA in political science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is currently a graduate student at UNLV, major undecided. William has been written about twice in local newspapers for being homeless and going to college at the same time.
Amanda, President/Treasurer/Founder of Forgotten Voice, and our friend John
Roussan Joshua Collins (Josh), homeless advocate, homeless by choice, street preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Linda Lera-Randle El, homeless advocate, founder and executive director of Straight from the Streets talks with Amanda
Homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
More homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
Chatting and resting after lunch
Las Vegas City Hall, where all those unjust ordinances against the homeless and poor are usually unanimously voted on and passed
West side of the now closed Downtown Post Office what Father Joe of Mash Village desperately tried to make into a homeless shelter and social service center. But the city council has voted on a Mob Museum instead.
On Sunday, March 4, 2007 the official launch of the Forgotten Voice newspaper was held across the street from Las Vegas City Hall at Frank Wright Plaza.
Forgotten Voice is a street paper in which homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, write and produce. The mission is to be a voice for homeless people.
The objectives for Forgotten Voice are:
To publish a street newspaper written mainly by homeless people, formerly homeless people, and homeless advocates in order to empower them and give them a voice;
To build and enhance a sense of community and facilitate positive communication between homeless people, homeless advocates, service providers, and the general public;
To build awareness of social services that are available to poor and homeless people, and other such information that would be educational to the homeless population;
To expand and redefine our charitable, educational, and literary program from time to time as necessary to meet the continuing need to empower homeless people.
If you are homeless, formerly homeless, or a homeless advocate, you are encouraged to write and submit an article so that your voice can be heard.
To submit your fiction, journalism, artwork, photography, or poetry please send it to Forgotten Voice 9901 W. Sahara Avenue #1183 Las Vegas, NV 89117.
Or, attach the file electronically via email to Amanda Haymond, President at amanda@forgottenvoice.org, .
Submissions deadline is the 14th of every month.
To view the first issue of Forgotten Voice online, click on the following link:
http://www.forgottenvoice.org/archive/FV_V1_No1.pdf
Visit Forgotten Voice homepage at www.forgottenvoice.org
Photos taken of the launch of Forgotten Voice March 4, 2007
Photo Credit: Gail Sacco, homeless advocate
As the launch gets started, two Metro bike officers talk with a couple of gentlemen just outside of the Frank Wright Plaza at Fourth and Stewart.
Food Not Bombs and Father Flanagan LTD, homeless advocates
Homeless Advocates and Homeless chatting
William Cole Sr., homeless and strong homeless advocate who has recently received his BA in political science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is currently a graduate student at UNLV, major undecided. William has been written about twice in local newspapers for being homeless and going to college at the same time.
Amanda, President/Treasurer/Founder of Forgotten Voice, and our friend John
Roussan Joshua Collins (Josh), homeless advocate, homeless by choice, street preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Linda Lera-Randle El, homeless advocate, founder and executive director of Straight from the Streets talks with Amanda
Homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
More homeless and homeless advocates sharing food and building community
Chatting and resting after lunch
Las Vegas City Hall, where all those unjust ordinances against the homeless and poor are usually unanimously voted on and passed
West side of the now closed Downtown Post Office what Father Joe of Mash Village desperately tried to make into a homeless shelter and social service center. But the city council has voted on a Mob Museum instead.
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