LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — You can get your questions or concerns answered about the planned “Campus For Hope” at the new “Experience Center” for the public.
The site is open to the public every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6255 Community College Drive, right on the edge of the site off Charleston & Jones Boulevards.
Since the site announcement early this year, the planned 26-acre project has faced plenty of anticipation from social service advocates and fierce debate among concerned neighbors.
On any given night across Clark County, there are more than 7,000 people who are homeless on the streets or in shelters; the entire Valley lacks thousands of beds to meet current needs. As joblessness remains high, a housing crisis remains and eviction resources dry up, the CEO for Campus For Hope shares the dire need.
“I wish we were opening today, not just the Campus Experience Center. There are some challenges on the horizon. We have a lot that we’re facing, particularly people experiencing homelessness and the people on the margins, people who are just barely getting by and it will be difficult over the next two years. But help is on the way, and so we will have all the services that somebody needs,” said CEO Kim Jefferies. FOX5 did a one-on-one interview in the spring with the CEO.
FOX5 has covered the concerns from neighbors over the fast-moving plans: neighbors have voiced frustrations that the state project was approved for the area without a process for public review. Residents are worried that the unhoused will still seek refuge at the Campus For Hope, and when turned away, will camp nearby.
FOX5 asked Las Vegas Councilman Brian Knudsen about those concerns.
“Homelessness is here. Our job is to make sure that we’re protecting our neighborhoods, protecting our property values. But we also have to protect and provide for those folks who are homeless. So, I can’t ignore the problem. There are homelessness issues within Southern Nevada. My job is to do everything I can to keep people housed and productive,” Knudsen said.
FOX5 reported that Campus For Hope will have its own 24-7 security team, with plans for a space for Metro Police on site; officers can help enforce anti-camping bans to make sure no homeless people congregate in the area. People who need services are not allowed to walk up to the facility and ask for help; social service agencies must refer every person who is approved to live on the property.
A group of neighbors filed a lawsuit to halt the project, calling for more studies to assess the impact on the area before construction starts. The request for an injunction was denied.
Residents are still looking at legal options, according to resident and plaintiff Matthew Wambolt.
“I’m truly disheartened by the decision of our elected and appointed officials to eliminate the oversight processes specifically designed to thoroughly assess the potential negative impacts our community might face from a construction project of this magnitude. Unfortunately, this means we won’t know any adverse effects until after the campus is constructed and operational,” Wambolt emailed FOX5 in a statement.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
