LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Construction on the Campus For Hope, a new transitional homeless facility, is set to kick off this Fall, according to the project’s new CEO, Kim Jefferies.
This transformative project will be established at the existing Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services site located at the intersection of Charleston and Jones Boulevard.
However, the initiative has ignited controversy among local residents.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the neighborhood, particularly with regards to the projected population of up to 900 homeless individuals who will reside at the facility concurrently.
Residents like Charlene Nelson express worry about the changes that influx might bring to the area, particularly regarding safety.
“Yeah, I would worry about what it might do to this area,” Nelson shared, noting her daughter lives nearby.
Wendy Molina, another nearby resident, echoed similar sentiments.
“My concern is that if there’s more people, we cannot come outside, because you never know,” Molina said.
Despite these concerns, Jefferies is optimistic about the facility’s potential benefits.
The Campus For Hope is designed to facilitate the transition of individuals out of homelessness, providing wraparound services including mental health support, employment assistance, and substance abuse treatment.
Jefferies referred to the experience at Haven for Hope in San Antonio, where she previously served as CEO.
That facility, which opened in 2010, has assisted over 40,000 individuals, boasting an average annual recovery rate of approximately 3,600 people.
“When the campus in San Antonio opened, immediately there was a 77% decrease in unsheltered homelessness in downtown,” Jefferies explained, expressing hope that a similar impact can be realized in Las Vegas.
Daniel Anderson, a longtime local resident, is among those who support the initiative.
“I think it’s a fantastic thing to do for our community,” Anderson stated, highlighting the potential positive change.
Nonetheless, many community members remain skeptical, particularly about increased foot traffic from the facility’s residents.
The possibility of other homeless individuals congregating in the vicinity and overall safety concerns remain significant points of contention.
Jefferies addressed these issues, stating that they have developed a comprehensive safety and security plan.
“Local police will have that authority, whether it’s hiring them, coordinating with them, all of the above to make sure the area around campus is safe and secure for everybody,” she noted.
Moreover, she emphasized that existing county and city ordinances concerning illegal camping will be instrumental in preventing new encampments from emerging in the area.
On-campus security personnel will oversee the facility to ensure safety for both the residents and the surrounding community.
Jefferies clarified that the individuals referred to the Campus For Hope will primarily be those seeking to make positive changes in their lives, such as single mothers or individuals facing evictions.
“The people who will be referred to the facility are those wanting to utilize services to turn their life around,” she said, adding that the facility will not provide outward services like a food bank.
As a result, officials involved with Campus For Hope are optimistic that many of the anticipated issues will not materialize.
Jefferies further mentioned that current occupants of the 26-acre site will be relocated by September.
Following their departure, construction will commence on the demolition of several buildings to pave the way for the new campus.
Despite community apprehensions, many residents express hope that Campus For Hope will present a viable solution to the increasing number of homeless individuals on the streets of Las Vegas.
“I’ve had too many homeless people on the street for too long,” Nelson commented.
The Campus For Hope is projected to officially open in spring or summer of 2027.
As construction progresses, local media will provide updates on the project and its impact on the community.
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