Despite recent expansion of housing, being homeless in Las Vegas is not easy, photo by Stan Stebbs, Wikimedia Commons
A Homeless Woman of Faith
“It was faith that kept me going.” Being homeless in Las Vegas is no easy task. We have extreme weather, either hot as heck or cold as heck, limited resources and laws banning people from sleeping on the street (until the shelter is full).
My subject preferred not to be named by her government name but referred to as the “Faithful Woman.” This faithful woman is a traditional Native American who has a strong tie to her traditional ways, as well as faith in whom she calls Jesus Christ. She is also over 70 years old.
The Faithful Woman said it was a very scary situation, not knowing where you are going to go at such an advanced age and health problems. Our Faithful Woman just had to take on a walker because she is struggling with a heart problem. Even through all this, she said she kept her faith in God and truly believed he would rescue her! And rescue her He did.
The Faithful Woman took the bus to Help of Southern Nevada, where she stood in line for hours. She did this for a week. Her patience and faith paid off. Finally, after her third day of standing for hours, she was assisted with temporary housing. As she progressed through her journey with Help of Southern Nevada, she eventually secured a Section 8 voucher. “There is help if you want it,” the Faithful Woman explained. “But there are rules, just like life.”
Being positive can go you a long way when suffering through hard times. You get more with honey than vinegar is one of the truest statements. We are living after the COVID epidemic. Mental and behavioral health resources has been lacking in Clark County for so long, but there are some amazing organizations trying to deal with this, Help of Southern Nevada, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Shade Tree Women’s Shelter to name a few. Senator Masto just secured funds for more mental health dollars here in Nevada, and we have a new behavioral health center at UNLV. There is light at the end of the tunnel. But like my woman of faith mentioned, you must follow simple rules and BE NICE!
For help in Nevada and local resources, dial 211.
