The annual homelessness count in rural Nevada reveals an alarming increase in the number of unsheltered individuals, with the highest figure seen in the last 10 years. The count, conducted during the last week of January, showed that nearly 40% of unhoused individuals have a consistent source of income, indicating a lack of affordable housing options in the area.
Jackee Stewart, office supervisor for Churchill County social services, noted that many employed or benefit-receiving individuals cannot afford rent and basic living expenses, leading them to choose between paying bills or being homeless. The lack of long-term shelters in rural Nevada further exacerbates the issue, with community members resorting to sleeping in cars, RVs, or tents.
While Lyon and Nye counties have seen significant increases in homelessness, Carson City has managed to reduce its numbers through services such as legal assistance, reunification support, and temporary sheltering programs. The city also secured two new housing grants to provide emergency sheltering and shared housing options for vulnerable individuals.
Michele Fuller-Hallauer, CEO of Winged Wolf Innovations, calls for more affordable housing units, landlords willing to accept housing vouchers, and the development of manufactured homes on public lands to address the homelessness crisis in rural Nevada. The community hopes for more sustainable solutions to provide stable housing for all individuals in need.
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