Much has changed in Las Vegas in the more than 50 years since the founding of the Las Vegas Rescue Mission (LVRM). Then as now, Las Vegas is world-renowned for its neon nights of adult entertainment and the unique celebratory aura of the famed Las Vegas Strip. However, beyond the multibillion-dollar tourism mecca, the reality of Las Vegas has always also included less-fortunate citizenry struggling to get by. It was with those people in mind that the LVRM was founded in 1970. Its modest beginning featured a small storefront building that included a chapel, kitchen and the capacity to house a few men.
Fast forward five decades, and Clark County (home to the city of Las Vegas) now boasts a rapidly growing population in excess of 2.3 million people. In line with that growth, today the LVRM campus comprises two city blocks in downtown Las Vegas, serving approximately 30,000 meals each month and assisting hundreds of men, women and children in need.
The Rescue Mission’s team is dedicated to lifting both the lives — and spirits — of individuals and families in need. To that end, the LVRM proffers an Intact Families shelter program, which allows families to remain together rather than in separate dorms.
Other programs include a single fathers’ shelter, a thrift store and providing about 1,000 meals a day.
THE HOLIDAY SEASON: A CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TIME FOR GIVING
Along with seasonal celebrations, sharing with those in need is also a part of the holiday season’s traditions. In fact, the three annual holidays — including Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter — play a critical role in our organization’s ability to assist those in need throughout the rest of the year. Those three holidays are the periods when we receive most of our donations, and they help sustain the LVRM throughout the year.
As a source of meals for many Las Vegans, the LVRM also must plan and budget accordingly in order to cope with rising grocery costs. At LVRM, budgeting happens with an anticipation of rising food costs, and we’re prepared to flex based on pricing. In addition, we also buy in bulk, take advantage of sales, and receive many food donations throughout the year — all working toward the goal of feeding those in need of some assistance.
RISING HOUSING COSTS PRESENT INCREASED CHALLENGES
Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Las Vegas has experienced rapidly rising housing costs; the average one-bedroom apartment now costs between $1,300-$1,400 per month. One of the many consequences of more expensive housing has been to squeeze out individuals and families who previously could afford to rent, if not own, their own home. As a result, the LVRM has had to deal with increased demand for temporary shelter.
In terms of housing, Las Vegans are dealing with incredibly high rents and deposits for individuals earning working-class salaries. It also requires thousands of dollars just to secure an apartment. And when an individual — or family — experiences a hardship of any kind, they simply cannot put together the kind of money required to live in a healthy, safe location. It presents a significant challenge for a growing percentage of Las Vegans.
To help meet the growing need for services, the LVRM also partners with various Las Vegas businesses and organizations. One example: Since 2012, as part of our Home for The Holidays program, the LVRM has partnered with Walker Furniture & Mattress to provide furniture to those in need.
A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO GROWING DEMAND
There are, of course, several worthy nonprofit organizations working to help Las Vegans in their times of need. However, what delineates the LVRM are the wide range of services our organization offers those in need of assistance. Our focus isn’t on just one type of population. We have on-demand — and free — inpatient recovery programs for both men and women, as well as overnight shelter for men, women and families. We also offer extended-stay shelter for those working on the barriers that are keeping them homeless. All that, in addition to serving over 1,000 meals per day.
PLANNING FOR THE YEARS AHEAD
And, as we look ahead to the coming year, the LVRM’s goal is to raise $25 million for Phase One of our capital campaign titled “Blessings Beyond the Bright Lights.” The first phase of that project calls for a new “Shelter of Hope,” which will house all of the LVRM’s women and children’s programming — including our inpatient recovery program; the project also will provide for 118 additional beds.
While the holiday season traditionally ends with the arrival of a new year, the needs of many Las Vegans continue no matter the season. And so, as it has for more than a half century, the LVRM remains committed to helping those in need, throughout the calendar year.
Heather Engle is the CEO of the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. It has been assisting homeless men, women and children in the community for 50 years. Since its beginning in 1970, the Rescue Mission has been providing meals, emergency shelter, recovery programs with addiction counseling and encouragement to help the low-income and homeless in the community. The nonprofit started with a small storefront building that included the chapel, kitchen and shelter, which was able to house a few men. Today, the Mission campus, which is located in Downtown Las Vegas, is helping hundreds of men, women and children daily, while providing approximately 30,000 meals each month.The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is a nonprofit Christian organization and provide services to all people without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender, religion or disability.