Las Vegas NV rates number 4 in the homeless population behind New Orleans, Louisiana, Fresno , California and Tampa, Florida and the longer we stand by and do nothing it will only increase by 3k every year until Vegas becomes a ghost town. And it doesn't help that cops come only when someone is killed or overdosed from drugs and alcohol. Think about it, that can be your parent, siblings, relative or lover or worse YOU!!! And it doesn't help that some cops abuse their power by bullying them into stealing their shopping carts. Plus what's even more disgraceful is tourists/parties coming into our town and paying homeless men to kick them in the groin for meager money and worse FILMING it for social media. That is someone's father, son, brother, husband, uncle, friend or cousin. And it HAS to be stopped!!! I propose instead of contributing our tax dollars to more casinos in this town we put our tax dollars towards improving the current conditions of our shelters so if they check in they feel safer getting off the streets for good. As well as provide for our homeless who are currently using drugs intravenously much more than clean needles. Sure those who are diabetic are capable of using them responsibly but what about those using drugs such as heroin do you really think they are in their right minds to use the needles responsibly don't get me wrong I am 100% for harm reduction but realistically with the way the health district is going about it, I have hope that it will be a step in the right direction but at the same time realistically I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a spike in littering, deaths from overdosing or blood born diseases or crime. I propose our tax dollars go towards building a sanctuary where they can feel safe to use without fear that can also provide food and a place to shower and a bed. As well as medical personal who can monitor how much they use and call 911 in response to a possible overdose, like in Europe for example. If that was enacted in this town I suspect it will only be a matter of time before they feel safe enough to reach out to get clean. Bottom line our city's homeless population don't just need, food or clothing or hygiene etc...they need stronger acts of protection and with your help we can make violence and discrimination against our homeless a hate crime in our town and turn it into a city we can all be proud to truly call home
