I will be checking into the US Vets shelter tomorrow. If you've read my editorials on outsourcing, H1B's, etc. then you know how I got to this point.
I want to tell you about the resources I've discovered over the past week to save you, or someone you know, the time. When you are already stressed to the breaking point the last thing you need is to spend days researching the best option for you.
US Vets (702-366-0456) was the best thing for someone in my position. They have a couple of different programs. Since I do not have any addiction problems and I am employed (as a telemarketer, not in computers or anything related) I am going into what they call the VIP program. They give you a place to live, food to eat, and help finding a better job if needed. Most people pay $50/week once they start getting regular checks; there is a sliding scale for those making really good bucks.
Once they see you are stable in your job you can go to their residence program, which is basically like living in an apartment for way under market rates until you are completely back on your feet.
Their other program is for those who do have substance abuse or gambling issues and/or do not have a job. If you are a veteran and this is your situation then I cannot plead strongly enough with you to do this. You will spend the first seven days getting your stuff back together: getting counselling, working their program, doing community service, etc. If you work the program then they will help find you work and move you to the next step as outlined above.
I have talked to several of you at the bus stop and on the street corner: Are you not tired of sleeping outside? Is what's in that paper bag worth losing your life over? Call 366-0456 or go to 525 E. Bonanza at 7 am tomorrow and get your life back.
Before I get to the rest of the resources, I would like to thank US Vets for being there and to Dennis Franz for putting a celebrity face on the issue. It is nice to know that there are people who care when your family and "friends" turn their back on you (no matter how understandable that may have been.)
FYI, if you go to the contacts page on their website keep in mind that none of the email links are valid anymore. So call them!
The other option I might have done is St. Vincent's Shelter. They charge $49/week for a bed and locker. BUT they only do intake on Mondays; I called on a Tuesday morning so that was no longer an option for me. For you working non-vets, this is the best option I found. Call 702-382-7428 or show up at 1526 N. Main by 0730 on Monday morning.
Another service open to all that MIGHT help making your rent before you are evicted is Catholic Charities (702-385-2662.) However, the buzz is that particular program is usually out of funds.
Another option for working vets is The Key Foundation. Rent is $80/week as of this writing. Call 702-384-6203 for more info.
Another organization you can try is the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (800-VET-HELP). I can't say anything about them because I was unable to make contact. (Did not return calls or emails.)
Don't try to get anything from the Homeless Veterans Outreach Center even though it is in the current phone book. It was a good concept which never came to fruition.
Some other miscellaneous organizations:
| Salvation Army Homeless Services | 702-657-0123 | |
| Salvation Army Shelter | 33 West Owen | be there before 0600 |
| HELP of Southern Nevada | 702-369-4357 | |
| St. Vincent's Shelter (per night) | 1511 N. Las Vegas Blvd | first come, first served be there by 1600 (4 pm); be out by 0530 |
Oh, and one final note for the veteran in trouble lucky enough to be in Ohio. As I understand it, you can take your rent, phone, electric (all your basic bills) to the Veterans Service Commission along with your pay stubs (if you have any) for the last 30 days. They will make up the shortfall in cash. Please contact your local office (all 88 counties have one) for more information on this and a full range of other services. And kudos to the good people of Ohio for funding this; a special thanks to Sgt. Ski of Cleveland who passed this along not knowing where I was located at the time.
Good luck to all of you and thanks to all who are giving of their time and money to help us, and those who have made it their vocation.
Copyright (c) 2005 Lone Wolf Reviews