Providing module housing is one potential idea in the program
On Thursday, a presentation was held at the Carson City Community Center during the Board of Supervisors / Board of Health meeting regarding how to tackle current homeless issues in Carson City.
The program has one goal: turn the unsheltered into sheltered.
The basis for the program is “Survive, Stabilize, Thrive.”
Currently, the cost of homelessness to a community is estimated from between $40,000 to $60,000 per person each year, according to the program presentation.
“This is a problem that will continue to grow,” said Mary Jane Ostrander, who led the discussion. “It’s not gonna go away, unless we do something. It will continue building and increasing our costs — whether it’s sheriff’s office, medical, hospitals, behavioral health, fire department, social services — it’s endless. Unless we address it, those costs will keep increasing.”
Potential projects to help alleviate homelessness in Carson City involve leasing housing to provide group living, or purchasing a property to create a 20-module shelter.
Following the presentation, Mayor Bagwell noted that in Carson City, group living has already been around for many years with programs such as Spirit of Hope.
“My phone doesn’t ring off the hook from the neighbors there’s a problem,” said Bagwell. “Sometimes I’ll stand outside (the group homes) for an hour just to watch. They actually stick to the rules — they’re taught you have to do the laundry, you have to pull the weeds. They tend to be well cared for homes. I’m hopeful it will not impact the neighborhoods.”
“The homeless issue we have in Carson City is not just a Carson City issue,” said Supervisor Stacey Giomi. “We have the only regional hospital, we have the (majority of) nursing homes, we have state agencies. The other counties have a responsibility to help us in this regard.”
“This presentation highlights the difficulties of getting back on one’s feet — something as simple as not having an ID, or an eviction (outside of one’s control), and then you’re not eligible for housing,” said Supervisor Lisa Schuette. “There are so many reasons why people find themselves homeless. This spotlights how that collaborative wrap around services can really help get folks back on their feet.”
Carson City Health and Human Services Director Nikki Aaker stated that, while some individuals who are against the proposed program stated they did not want to “encourage more homeless to come,” Aaker stated that some of the best feedback they’ve received about the program came from a formerly homeless individual, who said that having a program that involves work will encourage people who want help.
“Some of the feedback we got from someone who was homeless is, the best thing we can do is (create a program) that when people come to Carson City, they need to have a plan, they need to be doing some work around Carson City,” said Aaker. “Well, that word gets out, and those individuals (will come) that will take part in the program and we can help them and use all of our service agencies. It’ll be the ones who want to help themselves and be held accountable.”
The Board of Health voted to approve the presentation and move forward in finding funding sources for the program, with Supervisor White voting against.
The main goal of the project is simple: Unsheltered to Sheltered.
Mary Jane Ostrander presented the program details, which begins with the concept of survive, which boils down to meeting people where they are with a Street Outreach Team.
“If you wanna be homeless in Carson, you’ve gotta have a plan, and you’ve gotta work towards it,” said Ostrander.
Ostrander also stated that some of the population of unsheltered individuals in Nevada are transitional.
“A lot of our homeless that are here, during the Fall, they start migrating down to Las Vegas where it’s warmer,” said Ostrander.
But Nevada is one of the few states that maintains a database throughout the entire state, which is helpful when it comes to keeping track of specific individuals who are unsheltered.
Street outreach program will be full-time, 7 days a week, with an implementation timeline of 2-3 months.
The program will be possibly funded through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Indigent Accident Fund, and American Rescue Plan funds, and more.
Costs are projected between $67,000 to $88,000.
The street outreach team will potentially consist of previously homeless individuals, a management team leader, volunteer advocates, and veteran volunteers.
Develop a Housing First Model, which means providing housing without a lot of qualifications ahead of time, which is prohibitive to many unsheltered individuals, such as being sober for six months beforehand, like other programs.
“Once you have a roof over your head, that’s when you can start getting things lined up,” said Ostrander.
At the same time, case management services will be provided, including behavioral health (such as mental health, substance abuse, crisis intervention and more), physical health, life skills, and transportation.
Phase two includes providing short term Group Living Housing.
Finding housing for unsheltered individuals is the biggest barrier to providing them help, said Ostrander.
“And with a lack of housing, (property managers) have the pick of the litter,” said Ostrander.
Offered housing would comprise of group living with 24-hour supervision, and would involve “teaching them how to live indoors again.”
“It may sound funny but it’s true,” said Ostrander. “Some of these people have been on the streets for 9, 10, 15 years. Teaching them about leases, helping them obtain important documents — this is what property managements want. It’s helping to prepare them.”
In the two phases, especially in street outreach, would include giving back to the community by cleaning up camps, or having unsheltered clients help clean up trash.
“We had a gentleman, and as we talked about earlier today, it’s really hard to find seasonal workers for Parks and Rec. (There is a) lack of people to pull weeds. He started pulling the weeds for us. Can I pay him? No, but I can give him a gift card in appreciation.”
After three weeks of pulling weeds, Ostrander said, the man was offered a position working for a landscaping company, and has been employed now for two weeks.
“That’s our goal. That’s what we want to do.”
Supervisor Giomi emphasized how big of an issue not having documents is for unsheltered individuals.
“There are people who want to get out (of the homeless cycle), who want to get medical treatment, but they’ve lost their social security card or their birth certificate, and you can’t get medical care without your ID. Even if you’re a veteran — there are a lot of homeless vets who have lost their documentation, and they don’t have the wherewithal to get that back without some assistance.”
“You can’t get a job without a social security card,” added Giomi.
The projected costs associated with Phase Two housing include two homes which are staffed 24/7 for $600,000 a year, with funding accessible through the indigent accident fund, American Rescue Plan funding, and, once implemented, sheltering grants.
“HUD is looking at transitional housing and group housing, which is brand new,” said Ostrander.
Ostrander stated they were hoping to get Phase Two started within the next 3-6 months.
The next steps would include locate and lease housing units and furnish and prepare the homes for occupancy.
Another model could include Modular Sheltering, which could include dormitory-style housing to individual units.
Under this model, a minimum of 20 units is proposed, with a minimum 8 x 8 bedroom, with electricity to each unit with solar panel options, along with bathroom and shower facilities and a community room/flex space provided.
Modular shelters would have a 180-day maximum stay, with case management services provided.
Projected costs are estimated at $200,000 for shelter purchases, and $300,000 per year after for operations.
Potential funding sources include Indigent Accident Fund and American Rescue Plan funds.
The third phase involves moving previously unsheltered individuals from transitional into permanent, independent housing.
Assistance such as financial literacy, transportation, job applications, setting up a primary care physician, security deposit assistance and more are involved in this phase.
“One of our homeless advocates that was instrumental in putting this plan together, he truly believes — and he’s worked in other communities — that it’s fixable right now,” said Ostrander. “If you don’t do anything, it is not going to be fixable.”
The entire presentation, and staff report, can be found at this link.
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On August 28, 2022, Club members and the public are invited to attend the 80th anniversary celebration of Capitol City Gun Club in Carson City from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
All facilities at the Club will be open to the public with fantastic discounts on trap, skeet, five stand and sporting clays.
The Jazz and Beyond month-long festival in Carson City continues this weekend with the 4th annual Carson City Artist Studio Tours.
Today, Friday Aug. 19, the tours kick off at the Bliss Mansion, located on 608 Elizabeth Street across from the Governor’s Mansion.
On Thursday, a presentation was held at the Carson City Community Center during the Board of Supervisors / Board of Health meeting regarding how to tackle current homeless issues in Carson City.
The program has one goal: turn the unsheltered into sheltered.
Happy Friday Carson City! Let's take a look at what is happening throughout the region this weekend!
The new Carson City Arby's has an opening date of Sept. 19, according to the Carson City Business License Division.
However, it is not known if this will be a date to begin serving the public, or rather if it is when hiring and training will begin.
The new Arby’s, the second location in Carson City, is currently being built at 2943 Hwy 50 East. The construction has moved very quickly, after breaking ground in mid-July.
On Saturday, August 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. the Carson City Historical Society will hold a Chautauqua of Annie Roberts (done by Kim Harris), an old-fashioned picnic and silent auction. There are only a VERY FEW tickets still available for this event. Please contact Paula Cannon at (775) 887-8865 for reservations if you would like to attend.
Northern Nevada lecturer Mike Thomas' free presentations on Aug. 19 and 20 at Jack C. Davis Observatory on Western Nevada College's Carson City campus have been canceled. However, JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring plans to provide a presentation focused on photos taken by the NASA's James Webb Space Telescope on Saturday night at 7:30 to kick off a weekly Star Party.
Nevada Day, Inc. announced Thursday that the applications for parade entries are available online at NevadaDay.com. Parade entrants can complete their application, including float description and commentary for announcers to read when their float goes by.
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Legislative Interim Finance Committee on Wednesday approved more than $45 million in proposals using American Recuse Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support Nevada’s Children’s System of Care.
After more than three hours of public and board discussions regarding allowing additional cannabis dispensaries to operate in Carson City, the Board of Supervisors accepted the first reading of a policy that deals with potentially expanding the maximum number of dispensaries from two to four.
“I need a spirit of fairness here,” said Mayor Lori Bagwell.
Many issues were brought up during the review of the final Andersen Ranch subdivision map, including nearby residents who have experienced dust issues from mass grading on the site, the removal of promised bike lanes from the map, and more.
A Carson City School District student was honored by Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong as part of the national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign during the City Supervisors Meeting held Thursday morning.
What are you doing this weekend? Carson City Open Studios Tour is celebrating its 4th Annual Open Studios Tour this Friday through Sunday.
The Northern Nevada Dream Center’s 4th annual Back To School Bash is happening this Saturday, August 20 from 4 to 6 pm. In partnership with Lifepoint Church and Shine A Jesus Church, the Bash will be held at Fuji Park at 601 Old Clear Creek Road in Carson City.
Lake Tahoe is known the world over for its unparalleled recreational opportunities. From the lake’s crystal-clear waters, to the famed backcountry skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination.
A 35-year-old woman was booked Wednesday for two misdemeanor counts of contempt of court after making phone calls while in jail to a person she was ordered by the court not to contact, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office report.
Nursing students have long been successful in Western Nevada College’s Associate of Nursing program. One reason for their continued success, in part, is through the outstanding work and dedication of Deborah Ingraffia-Strong, who doubles as the college’s interim director of Nursing & Allied Health and as a Professor of Nursing.
Members of the Carson City chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby are thrilled that Nevada Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen helped pave the way for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to become law.
The new Carson City Panera will officially open in the beginning of October following some build delays.
According to a spokesperson for Panera, the estimated opening is set for Oct. 10, but it has not been finalized at this time.
UPDATE: At 6:18 p.m. The Carson City Sheriff's Office reports the stolen truck has been found. *** The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding a stolen truck taken from the area of State Street and Handelin Road in Carson City on Monday, August 15, 2022.
Members of the Carson City Host Lions Club will provide free vision screening to children at the Northern Nevada Dream Center’s 4th annual “Back to School Bash” on Saturday, August 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fuji Park. Lions from the Dayton Valley Lions Club will be assisting.
Mary is Pet of the Week for Nevada Humane Society’s Carson City shelter, and we simply cannot wait to tell you all about her!
Officials gathered Tuesday on the shores of Sand Harbor State Park for the 26th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit described legislation passed since last year’s event as a major step forward in the fight to keep the lake blue and confront climate change.
A joint meeting Tuesday between the Open Space Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission was held regarding an issue of whether or not to allow painted “kindness” rocks on Carson City parks and trail areas.
The issue came about after a private citizen took it upon themselves to remove hundreds of rocks along a paved or “hardscaped” section of the V&T Trail, claiming they believed them to be akin to graffiti.
A man who caused a disturbance at a South Carson Street business Tuesday was arrested for suspicion of felony possession of credit cards withouts the holder's consent and other offenses.
A joint meeting Tuesday between the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Commission voted on new dog ordinances, including allowing dogs at some previously prohibited areas, prohibiting off-leash dogs from certain trails and open space areas, and regulating where off-leash dogs can recreate.
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a workshop Thursday to discuss the request for proposal process, the solid waste franchise, to receive community input, and to provide staff with direction to develop a Request for Proposals for a solid waste franchise which will include the services to be provided, mandated, or eliminated as part of the franchise.
Donor Network West hosted a special remembrance event to honor the legacy of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hammond, which gathered family, friends and caregivers at Fianna’s Healing Garden at Renown Regional Medical Center.
A memorial portrait of Lizzy was crafted entirely out of organic materials and was featured on the Donate Life float at the 133rd Rose Parade Jan. 1, 2022 in Pasadena, Calif. The portrait — also called a “floragraph” — was gifted to her family during the remembrance event Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Nevada Humane Society's annual duck race returns Saturday, August 27, to Wingfield Park in Reno with live music, games, vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and more, including the race itself.
After exhausting all leads the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance to identify individuals involved in tool thefts in the Stateline casino area.
The Board of Directors of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society has announced dates in September and October for the remainder of the 2022 tour season of the historic Nevada State Prison.
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners will meet this Thursday, August 18, 9 a.m. at the county administrative complex, 27 South Main Street in Yerington.
A very large bear was seen Tuesday morning running around the Arrowhead, Bowers and Sunrise area of Carson City. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has been notified. Residents should leave the bear alone, bring their children and pets indoors and not get anywhere near him or her.
Bear sightings are unusual along the east side of Carson City and usually are far more common on the west side.
In partnership with Sierra Nevada Realtors, the 12th annual HopeFest returned on August 5 as Cornhole’s Best for HopeFest, a rockin’ cornhole tournament. More than 300 people from the Carson City area to join their community in some healthy competition, all for a good cause.
A 34-year-old man was arrested Monday for suspicion of misdemeanor embezzlement, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office report.
Released in time for Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor State Park, a bi-state report by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board says efforts to reduce pollution and restore Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity remain on track, despite impacts from climate change and other factors.
NV Energy is replacing power lines across the Sierra. These pictures were captured Wednesday on Timberline Drive in Carson City, just west of Western Nevada College, but there is another effort going on to the south where Highway 50 goes over Spooner Summit.
The Nature Conservancy in Nevada and Sierra Nevada Journeys will host a Family STEM Night and Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15 at River Fork Ranch Preserve, 381 Genoa Lane, Minden.
UPDATE: The suspect, Jason Day, 48, was arrested for grand theft auto and two counts each of kidnapping and child endangerment. According to KOLO, when Day’s vehicle was stopped he told officers he left the children in the back at the nearby Holiday Inn Express.
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