Fighting Youth Homelessness in Southern Nevada: A Look at NPHY Plastic Food Drive

Youth homelessness is a growing issue in Southern Nevada, with more than 13,500 homeless students enrolled in the Clark County School District during the 2023-2024 school year, according to Title I HOPE. These young people face unimaginable challenges daily, from lack of stable housing to inadequate access to food. To help address this crisis, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) is hosting its annual Plastic Food Drive from March 1st to March 31st, a campaign designed to provide essential support to homeless youth in our community.

In a recent interview with Arash Ghafoori, NPHY’s Executive Director, and Lanette Rivera, Director of Engagement and Communications, we explored the dire realities faced by homeless youth and how the Plastic Food Drive aims to make a tangible difference. Ghafoori emphasized that hunger is one of the most urgent issues facing these young people, as it directly impacts their ability to focus on school and their overall well-being.

The unique initiative of collecting gift cards allows NPHY to provide these youth with access to hot meals 24/7, giving them the flexibility to eat when they need it most. Ghafoori and Rivera highlighted that fast food and grocery store gift cards are the most helpful, enabling homeless youth to have consistent access to nutritious meals.

NPHY’s comprehensive services—from emergency shelters to outreach events—help support homeless youth, but community involvement is crucial. Individuals can participate in the Plastic Food Drive by donating gift cards, hosting their own gift card drives, or making a monetary contribution. For more information, visit nphy.org/campaigns.

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Southern Nevada’s homeless youth. For more information about the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, click here.