Homeless count helps get needed federal funding

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Dozens of volunteers scattered across the valley in the early morning hours of Thursday to learn about those living on the streets.

“It’s a serious problem. We can’t just arrest people. We can’t arrest our way out of trouble. We need to figure out how to help these people who are human beings and honestly deserve help,” said Chairman Tick Segerblom, Clark County Commission.

The effort was part of the annual Point-in-Time census which aims to identify the number of unsheltered people in the region and emphasize the need for government funding.

“Last year we were able to get a total of $30 million,” said U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford. “(We received) $15 million initially, plus an additional $15 million because of some emergency support that was granted.”

The funding goes to provide additional resources and services to homeless individuals, including rehabilitation centers, transitional housing, workforce training, and healthcare.

“It kind of helps drive us in the services that we’re trying to create, implement or keep on going to make sure one, we can prevent it from happening, and then really help those they’re at,” said Brenda Barnes, Clark County social service assistant manager.

For the volunteers and civil leaders, the count is not just about a number, it’s also about people.

“They’re somebody’s mom, somebody’s brother, somebody’s dad and they’re human beings and we need to support them and find out what they need because it’s a community problem and we all need to chip in,” Barnes said.

The 2024 census will be released later this year. The 2023 Point-in-Time count found 6,556 people living in shelters or on the streets and estimated that nearly 16,251 people experienced homelessness in southern Nevada at some point during the year.