I know in other cities it’s not uncommon for people experiencing homelessness to double up when they get funds from day labor and get a hotel room. I’ve heard the same said of places like Chicago in lower priced areas, nothing compared to what comes to mind when you think of las vegas hotels.
But recently over the last few months I’ve seen an increase of newer faces using this form of temporary shelter. More incoming residents transplanting from up North due to seasonal changes, as well as mothers with kids crammed into one room.
Years ago it was more so an issue of people sleeping in cars, less now due to the cost of fuel…it simply can’t be done as easily, so those with vehicles are having to resort to shelters for survival in bitter cold temperatures.
One thing local groups can do for volunteering is to contact local shelters that place families in hotels prior to available beds and room coming open. Many shelters over the last few years nationwide have resorted to not permitting floor space, and in some cases local governments will provide limited funding to get families with children ‘out of site’.
Maybe $50.00 will get a family off the streets for 24 hours in a rattrap room. The more agencies that do this in metropolitan cities, the more nights available getting families out of harms way until a bed or room becomes available.
Just think about it, if only for a minute. While most cities provide shelters for men, single women, and maybe mothers with kids…how many of them keep families with two parents together?
