LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Denise Charles opened the door to reveal a full kitchen inside one of 15 apartment-style suites at Crossings Transitional Housing.
“This location provides transitional housing for a single youth between the ages of 18 and 24, young people experiencing homelessness who need a hand up,“ Charles said. “They’re provided case management services, education, employment assistance, all the basic life skills that they need, connection to mental health services, as well as if they want to further their career as far as education or employment.”
Adjusting to stable housing
When youth first arrive, the transition can be difficult.
“Some young people will sleep in the bed, and it’s unfortunate, but some young people will sleep on the floor or the couch because they’re not used to sleeping in a mattress, sleeping in a bed,” Charles said. “The door will close behind them and it locks. That in itself is enough for young people because they don’t have to worry about somebody stealing their items or someone harming them or hurting them.”
Charles draws from her own experiences being homeless as well as a domestic violence survivor to help residents.
“I do hold some scars, but I want to be able to help young people see that the scars that they hold, the invisible trauma, the invisible suitcase, you can put that on the back burner, and you can actually achieve your dream of being successful,” Charles said.
Success stories
The program has helped residents like Alex Rankin, who went from a rough family life and homelessness to graduating from Nevada State and pursuing his dream of becoming a nurse.
“He knew what he wanted to do. He knew he had the skill set to do it. He just needed a little bit of support,” Charles said. “He’s just an awesome young man of just greater hope that is possible if you continue to move forward, take it one step at a time.”
Without the program, Charles said the impact would be significant.
“That’s 15 young people living in transitional housing who would be living on the streets,” Charles said. “I hope to continue this legacy of providing young people an opportunity to grow and to be successful.”
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
