Growing Calls for Transparency
Among advocates for those without stable shelter, new residents of the Nevada Cares compound and concerned social media commenters, there are growing calls for transparency of where exactly millions and millions of federal dollars are being spent, with more on the way, and whether the money is being spent judiciously. When we visited the pilot safe camp part of the compound, and asked if perhaps preparations had been rushed, or what exactly Washoe County and Karma Box Project staff were doing on site, not all of our questions seemed appreciated, as when we pressed for more details, we were told to “wrap it up.” When we started asking questions about the county’s contract with Karma Box we were repeatedly told that “documentation” could be sent to us, but we found little in the way of details there. With all the money coming in could we then not start other safe camps to see what models might work best? RISE which got the contract to run Our Place has had its own safe camp plans, while the established Pallet Shelter organization has been getting new contracts in the region: https://www.palletshelter.com/. Cabins of Hope set to open this week in Tarzana are getting good reviews so far.
The conditions at the safe camp seem bare, with no shade besides one small communal area with squeezed in picnic tables and benches, no chairs, no library of books or any entertainment visible, no showers nearby, no privacy besides small tents tightly crammed between chain link fences under constant security supervision, no exercise area or community garden, no dogs allowed for now, even though many unhoused who have pets had initially expressed interest in this pilot initiative, and future plans for just 50 tents in an equally bare space even more exposed to sun and closer to the highway. Is this the best we could do with the money we are spending, people are asking? Here was the article of our own visit, with a podcast version of the audio interviews coming soon.
Over at the Cares Campus, there’s growing discontent about the food being served there, which is the same being served at the safe camp, with moldy breakfasts now added to “mystery meat” complaints. Pat Cashell, with Volunteers of America, the compound’s operator, was quoted as saying during a recent visit by Senator Jacky Rosen that more case managers are needed. What about allocating money differently and establishing priorities of what is needed most?
One problem underlined by many is that if the goal is housing, where exactly is the next step housing to be found? Task forces are being organized, meetings are being held, op-ed columns are being written, donations are being asked for, more federal money is being sent Nevada’s way, but to what end?
Above, our recent documentary by former student reporter Lucia Starbuck about our unhoused neighbors and the importance of their pets was nominated this past week in the Best Nevada Film category at the Nevada Women’s Film Festival, but lost out to a movie by a male director. Still, perhaps more light was shed on those who value the companionship of their best friends while living on the streets, mostly avoiding shelters such as the Cares Campus due to past experiences and personality traits. Sadly one of our interviewees Bill and his dog Hurley wouldn’t be allowed in the safe camp for now. He’s tried vouchers for motels once, but didn’t appreciate the experience. We used to see him at different sites in his large tent under shaded trees, but now with repeated sweeps, we can’t find him anymore.
Our podcast this week was the audio version of the Coyote Supply Co. shop in Midtown. Find it here, or look for Our Town Reno where you get your podcasts, follow us there, and delve into our archives of street reporting, giving a platform to those struggling, local business owners and those helping each other. This past week, we also profiled the community radio station KWNK and its new program director Tucker Rash, as well as the rising local artist Tina Mokuau.