Responsible Feeding & Donating

Private citizens and donor groups with good intentions drop off donations and food in heavily populated homeless areas. These same areas house service organizations that provide for basic needs, including 3 free daily meals, showers, public restrooms, clothing, etc. Private donations are resulting in a number of problems for both the homeless individuals as well as taxpayers:

  • Donations eventually lead to increased trash through discarded food items, packaging, and items too large or cumbersome for a homeless person to carry
  • Food donations are not regulated and have resulted in sickness
  • Street donations deter homeless clients from accessing services through structured organizations that not only provide food, but case management for housing, jobs, mental health, substance abuse, financial planning, public benefits, etc.
  • Increased trash and waste in outdoor spaces have resulted in increased spending for local jurisdictions for cleaning costs.

Suggestions for Responsible Feeding/Donating:

  • Partner with a local service organization for the distribution of items:
    Many of our local nonprofits allow private groups to distribute food and other items through structured program opportunities. This gives the homeless the opportunity to access the donations while also accessing services that could increase their self sustainability long-term.
  • Partner with The Giving Project
    The Giving Project is a monthly event with structured times and locations for the safe and orderly distribution of items to the homeless. For more information please contact catharine.minami@wellsfargo.com
  • Donate or volunteer for a local homeless service program
    Current service providers always need assistance through monetary or in-kind donations, as well as service through structured volunteer activities. These donations build the capacity for our nonprofits to better serve local homeless clients. For volunteer opportunities, please go to www.volunteercentersn.org.
  • Plan for effectiveness, safety, and for cleanliness
    Consider traffic, foodborne illnesses, allergies, trash & waste, and current access to services when considering what/when/where and how to donation

Southern Nevada thanks you for your service and consideration of these guidelines.

Southern Nevada Continuum of Care
With the enactment of the HEARTH Act in 2009, the CoC is now an entity that implements the HUD CoC program and includes all who choose to participate and are concerned with and/or are providing services to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.

Agendas & Meeting Minutes
Learn about upcoming agendas and dates for Continuum of Care Board meetings or browse our archives.

Working Groups
Working Groups are established to address mandates and/or topics of critical importance to the SNH CoC and specifically referenced in the HEARTH Act.

About Homelessness
There are currently more than 100 service providers, including government entities, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups and corporate partners, that are working together to provide homeless prevention and assistance programs to bring an end to homelessness in our community.

The Plan
In 2007, the plan was developed using stakeholder input, to guide the work of the community in ending homelessness.

Gap Anaylsis
The gaps analysis identifies key unmet needs in the housing and services system.

Homeless Census
An annual Homeless Census is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) of all Continuums of Care throughout the country.

Coordinated Entry
Coordinated Entry (CE) is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is Southern Nevada’s strategy for a more efficient system to help people experiencing homelessness to access housing services.

SOAR
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) is a program designed to increase access to SSI/SSDI for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

National Partnerships
We maintain partnerships with several national organizations.

HMIS
A Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a local information technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness.

Public Input
The Continuum of Care appreciates your feedback! The Public Input section frequently request responses and feedback from stakeholders and the public. Please check the section for more information.

Training Opportunties
There is always more to learn.  We're here to help.

Funding Opportunities
Learn about opportunities to fund our cause.

Glossary of Terms
Definitions and acronyms to help you.

External Resources
Get information on CHAP Specific Resources.

Environmental Reviews
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires the analysis of the impact of federally funded projects on the environment and vice versa.

Property Partners
Find out how Operation HOME! can support your business.

About Operation HOME!
Operation HOME! is a regional initiative of Help Hope Home to find homes for 2,022 high-risk homeless Southern Nevadans at increased risk of COVID-19 by the end of 2022.

Contracted Provider Resources

For Operation HOME! RRH Subcontractors. Grants access to training links and the document library