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Homelessness Worsens<br />
By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action<br />
Recent news stories paints a bleak picture of<br />
the homeless crisis in Clark County. About<br />
a year ago, Las Vegas conducted their annual<br />
homeless census.<br />
They reported a total of 5,645. Today, that number has ballooned to<br />
over 14,000.<br />
Residents are becoming increasingly vocal about seeing an<br />
increasing number of homeless planting themselves near their homes.<br />
The problem is the old adage NIMBY (not in my back yard). The<br />
problem is so exacerbated now the new adage is NIMFY - not in my<br />
front yard.<br />
The issue is what to do about it? One thing that isn’t working but<br />
occurs on a daily basis, is the police perpetually clearing the homeless<br />
from wherever they find a place to “live.”<br />
This doesn’t solve anything. All the homeless will do is relocate to<br />
another neighborhood until the police are summoned again.<br />
Politicians are masters of the “sound bite” but have little backbone<br />
to act in solving the problem. In prior issues I mentioned one of the<br />
common responses from elected officials from both parties that the<br />
reason they don’t act is because “the homeless don’t vote.”<br />
They will never publicly admit that of course but I know it’s true. I<br />
have also previously mentioned that a workable solution is not as<br />
difficult as one may think.<br />
Creating shelter clusters by converting old rail cars into livable and<br />
sanitary “homes” can relieve the problem. This isn’t my idea but one<br />
that was successfully demonstrated in Las Vegas called the Veterans<br />
Village!<br />
Yes. It is a microcosm of a huge problem but this works! So, why not<br />
expand on that program and give the homeless the same self-esteem<br />
we all take for granted?<br />
Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior<br />
community. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.<br />
Summer is Here!<br />
By: Carol Chapman<br />
The Foundation Assisting Seniors is a critical<br />
resource for senior citizens, especially during<br />
the hot summer months when temperatures in<br />
Las Vegas can easily exceed 100 degrees.<br />
The HOWRU Program offers daily wellness calls, and the Medication<br />
Reminder Program provides peace of mind to seniors (and their families)<br />
offering reminders via phone call to subscribers.<br />
The Foundation<br />
has provided over<br />
466,000 assists,<br />
including providing<br />
durable medical<br />
equipment such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and more. We are<br />
continually innovating to improve its programs and services.<br />
The HOWRU24 program will soon offer a full line of 24-hour<br />
safety communications for seniors and veterans, including fall<br />
detection, emergency notifications and more. This program is set to<br />
launch in Fall <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Another initiative coming will be the Foundation’s Pet Foster<br />
Program, which will provide temporary foster care for pets of seniors<br />
over 50 and veterans who may need in-patient treatment and care.<br />
With our innovative programs and dedication to improving senior<br />
well-being, we remain an essential resource for seniors in southern<br />
Nevada.<br />
To learn more about how the Foundation can help you or a loved<br />
one, call (725) 244-4200 or visit: foundationassistingseniors.org.<br />
Vegas Voice columnist Dan Hyde with Ben Lessor last month. Lessor<br />
discussed his horrifying experience as a Nazi concentration prisoner<br />
before a packed Sun City MacDonald Ranch audience. Hyde’s March<br />
article touched on Lessor’s efforts to, not only survive, but triumph over<br />
such evil.<br />
24<br />
Triumph Over Evil<br />
<strong>June</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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