LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Work is being done to help hundreds of homeless teens and young adults across the Las Vegas Valley, as local governments crack down on growing homeless encampments.
Clark County’s homeless encampment ban took effect on February 1. People are warned to seek a bed in a shelter; if they refuse, they risk possible fines or jail time.
The Shannon West Homeless Youth Center is a crucial resource for older teenagers and young adults to escape homelessness. The center accepts people up to 24 years old.
According to the County’s 2024 homeless count, there are around 508 people ages 18 to 24 years old who are homeless on any given night.
“Having an open bed is part of the solution,” said Joan Lima, development manager of HELP of Southern Nevada. “If we did not exist, there would absolutely be young adults in the Valley who would become unhoused again,” Lima said.
How do teenagers and young adults end up homeless? Lima explains numerous scenarios: at times, teens are referred by CCSD counselors. Others have a fallout with their families and are “couch surfing.” Other young adults were recently released from jail.
Some teenagers seek shelter in the tunnels or various encampments.
FOX5 toured the center: there are dorm-like rooms, a dining hall, and multipurpose rooms with music and games and TVs. Other amenities include computer workstations and laundry rooms.
Resident staff are on hand on every floor to assist the youth with various needs.
Every teenager or young adult goes to school or work. Young adults are connected with workforce and job training programs or classes.
Residents learn life skills, from doing laundry to paying bills.
There are “supportive housing” options for young adults to have their own studio with a kitchenette and bathroom, paying their own rent and transitioning to independent living.
“Every youth is given a plan to be discharged someday– to connect them to education, connect them to employment, connect them to income so they can be self-sufficient and independent,” Lima said.
If you see encounter homeless youth across the Valley, you can contact HELP to assist with outreach: HELP of Southern Nevada
The Shannon West Homeless Youth Center is always looking for volunteers, or donations of clothing and hygiene kits: Shannon West Homeless Youth Center
In the fall, Clark County received $8.5 million in HUD Funding to address youth homelessness.
For housing providers and community members who wish to refer youth to this shelter, the Navigation Center can be reached at 702-831-2530. The Navigation Center’s staff will guide referrers through the process and ensure appropriate placement and assistance for each young person.
In addition to this new shelter, Clark County community offers several other vital youth services:
-Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY):
- Drop-in center providing immediate assistance for individuals up to 24 years of age
- Safe Place services
- Emergency shelter
- Independent living program Contact: 702-383-1332
-HELP of Southern Nevada’s Shannon West Homeless Youth Center:
- Emergency and transitional housing
- Case management
- Life skills training
- Educational support Contact: 702-369-4357
-The Harbor Youth Assessment Center:
- 24/7 support services
- Crisis intervention
- Family mediation
- Connection to community resources Contact: 702-455-6912
-Project 150:
- Support for high school students experiencing homelessness
- Food, clothing, and school supplies
- Scholarship opportunities Contact: 702-721-7150
-St. Jude’s Ranch for Children:
- Residential programs for youth and young adults
- Healing center for sex-trafficked youth
- Crossings Supportive Housing Program
- Therapeutic foster care Contact: 702-294-7100
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