Nevada Homeless Kids Get Help Through Education Drive
If you don’t think homelessness is a problem in Las Vegas, think again.
Especially in the numbers we’re seeing of homeless youth. In 2022 alone, the number of school-aged kids who were experiencing homelessness in Clark County was 14,000. That’s not a typo. That’s a serious problem. But the Nevada Partnership For Homeless Youth is committed to helping these kids, in more ways than one.
Why are there so many homeless youth in Clark County?
Many things contribute to these high numbers of homeless youth in Las Vegas. One is the housing crisis that was recently a reality for many in Nevada. A lot of people lost their homes, and didn’t have anywhere to go other than the streets. Another factor that makes Las Vegas a hot spot for homeless youth is the fact that our town never sleeps. That means it’s a lot easier for kids living on the streets to blend in.
The Nevada Partnership For Homeless Youth offers many programs for young residents of Las Vegas to get help. They have housing and shelter resources as well as programs for education and employment. They also offer health and wellness resources and have many volunteers who focus on outreach and engagement efforts.
Other Resources for Homeless Youth Through NPHY
NPHY has partnered with many businesses and organizations in Las Vegas to give any homeless youth a safe place to go if they need help. At any time of day, a youth in need can stop by any Terrible Herbst convenience store, any City of Las Vegas fire station or any Clark County Library. Or they can get onto any Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus. All they have to do is ask for a “Safe Place” and they will receive immediate help.
NPHY also has a Drop-In center, open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, that offers assistance to homeless youth. The address is 4981 Shirley Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (across from the UNLV Thomas & Mack center).
This month, the NPHY is holding an education drive to help homeless youth. They are asking for school supplies (backpacks, clothes, etc) and monetary donations (for things like graduation and senior trip expenses). Donations are being taken through July 20 and will be dispersed to kids in need before school starts.
NPHY is also looking for volunteers to help sort and distribute these supplies. You can get more information by emailing [email protected].
Wendy spoke with NPHY director of communications & engagement, Lanette Rivera, to talk about the education drive.
Original air date for this podcast was July 9, 2023.
