Van Buren Avenue and D Street Homeless Encampment
There is currently an open Code Enforcement case for two parcels of private property near Van Buren Avenue and D Street where about 60 homeless individuals have set up a camp. The camp is in a neighborhood and vacant property cannot be used for camping. We heard from concerned residents and neighbors at the January 6 City Council meeting regarding the camp and the public safety issues it poses. The camp is deemed an imminent hazard due to a lack of sanitary conditions, fires, and the increased possibility of transmission of COVID-19 and other illnesses amongst individuals who are not living in sanitary conditions and are without running water.
The city of Las Vegas and its partners with the MORE Teams have been out to the site multiple times offering services and informing the individuals that it is unsafe and illegal to camp there, and that they will have to move. In addition, the city does offer the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, where anyone in need is welcome to visit to get help—as well as the help available from the local nonprofit providers. That help includes finding temporary and permanent shelter as well as other needs to ensure that they can become healthy, housed and hired. Metro Police and the Southern Nevada Health District have also been involved with relocating the camp.
MORE Teams
MORE Teams are comprised of law enforcement officers and representatives from local service agencies. They hit the streets daily to provide outreach to homeless members of our community and offer resources from housing assessments to help with shelter placement. Teams also notify individuals that have been matched with programs and housing. We currently have five teams that work together to provide outreach seven days a week. Each team connects with 50-100 people each week.
Homeless Courtyard Resource Center
The city of Las Vegas is committed to helping connect homeless individuals and families with needed services to help them break the cycle of homelessness.
The Courtyard is a starting point where homeless individuals can go to access resources all in one place within the Corridor of Hope at 314 Foremaster Lane. Currently, the Courtyard is open seven days a week 24 hours a day. Get help by calling 702-229-6117 or courtyardHRC@lasvegasnevada.gov.
The Courtyard is an example of an innovative public-private partnership and convenes a range of service providers to assist homeless clients with access to housing, medical/mental health services, legal assistance, employment opportunities, income/benefit assistance, food, clothing and additional wraparound services.
The ultimate plan for the Courtyard is to provide all the services someone experiencing homelessness needs so that they can break the cycle and get off the streets. To that end a $21 million construction project has begun to add new buildings and facilities at the Courtyard. In 2021 the city is scheduled to open this newly enhanced campus. Learn more about the resources available for anyone facing homelessness at lasvegasnevada.gov/homeless.