LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Las Vegas Metro police’s southeast area command addressed the public about the ongoing homelessness issue across the valley.
Law enforcement officers held a public meeting Tuesday for concerned residents and shared what they’ve seen and what resources are available as the issue is top of mind for many with encampments set up not only at intersections but in residential areas too.
“The southeast area command of Clark County continues to see a rise in homelessness,” Captain Jeff Clark with Metro’s Southeast Area Command shared with 8 News Now.
In 2024, the Southern Nevada Homeless Census reported its point in time the count for Clark County at nearly 8,000 people. That has grown immensely over the last five years.
“Those who have addictions who refuse the help, those are the ones impacting our neighborhoods and concern about because we have had property damage, theft and needles dropped on the sidewalks,” concerned resident, Annoula Wylderich shared.
Clark also stated that due to inflation, homelessness looks a lot different than it used to.
“Particularly along Boulder Highway, you have daily’s and weekly’s that were somewhat affordable, but as the market has changed, things have gotten more expensive, people are now getting priced,” he added.
Clark also shared that Sheriff Kevin McMahill has been a huge advocate of providing more resources to the homeless valley wide. However, there is still so much more work to be done on the mental health front.
As for resources, the city has its M.O.R.E Team and Clark County has its Hope and Outreach Team. Concerned residents can email Metro Police at homelessoutreach@lvmpd.com.
