Henderson council candidates talk homelessness as election looms

( Las Vegas Review-Journal)Tim Cox (courtesy).
Along the campaign path for Henderson's Ward 1 unique election, homelessness has actually cropped up as a concern numerous times. Ahead of early voting opening on Tuesday, the candidates discussed how they would approach the issue.

Inquired about what the city of Henderson need to do to assist the homeless population, prospects concentrated on the causes leading to homelessness and possible methods to address the problem.

Candidate Tim Cox said he discovered that individuals end up being homeless "almost always" since of at least one of 3 reasons: a drug abuse problem, mental health concern or financial issue. Cox said a "short-term assisting hand" could possibly assist the financial concerns and a resource center could aid with drug abuse or mental health issues.

He said that if chosen he would "leap at the possibility to lead" the city in its efforts to assist the homeless.

Cox and Melissa Woodbury mentioned effective programs in other parts of the nation. Woodbury spoke about programs that take a detailed method to rehabilitation for the homeless. Cox pointed out a Eugene, Oregon, program that unites psychological health workers, local organizations and the local police to supply crisis services to the homeless.

Aaron Johnson stated Henderson does not provide many resources for the homeless, however organizations in Henderson and Las Vegas do. He suggested the city work with companies such as HopeLink Southern Nevada and The Courtyard Homeless Research Center to supply resources.

" I really feel that it is a tenet responsibility of the government to offer these services," Johnson said. "But we're not comparing the services that exist, getting (homeless individuals) to these resources and making that available to them.".

Jim Seebock agreed that the city needs to deal with regional companies to supply aid to the homeless, discussing faith-based companies and recommending resources be relocated to a main location for ease of access.

He also suggested that the city ought to reconsider ordinances that would "give cops the tools to attend to homelessness" if the resources aren't efficient. Seebock stated the city could take part in giving the homeless help with concerns such as addiction when some of them remain in prison.

Ali Nilson echoed support for policies enabling cops more liberty in their interactions with the homeless, stating that would allow officers to "engage and offer services" to homeless people. She also stated Henderson ought to aim to the private sector for short-term options and must develop a homeless center in an undeveloped area for the long term.

Johnson and Eddie Hamilton both suggested producing brand-new positions within the city to assist the homeless. Johnson spoke about a release planner at the prison, who could collaborate the release of incarcerated homeless individuals with available resources and transportation. Hamilton suggested a public safety organizer who would manage projects and resources for the homeless.

Alex Kleytman said homelessness is a "regional problem" that Henderson should work with close-by cities and the state government on resolving it, with ideas from regional companies.

Early voting opened Tuesday for the unique election and will close Thursday. Election Day for the special election is Monday. Just Ward 1 homeowners will be able to vote in the election, thanks to a recently passed tally procedure.

Contact Mark Credico at mcredico@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarkCredicoII.