Heavy rain swept through the Las Vegas valley this past weekend, leaving streets and low‑lying neighborhoods flooded. While the water has receded, many of the city’s most vulnerable residents—those living outdoors or in makeshift underground shelters—are still coping with lost belongings and disrupted routines.
Shine A Light steps in with immediate aid
Shine A Light, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness, mobilized its outreach teams early this week to locate and assist those affected by the storm. “A lot of the times, the people who live underground, they know the weather is coming before anyone else,” said Brent Nowak, director of community integration for the organization. “They were packing up their gear and the things they could get.”
Nowak explained that many residents were unable to save everything, leaving some with only the clothes they were wearing. In response, Shine A Light distributed bags containing dry socks, bottled water, wet wipes and granola bars to individuals at various encampments throughout the valley, including several sites in North Las Vegas.
Beyond supplies: building lasting connections
While the immediate distribution of essentials helps people get through a difficult morning, Shine A Light emphasizes that its mission goes further. “What we do doesn’t help people stay homeless,” Nowak said. “We are out offering people connection and just basic supplies. What do you need when you first wake up in the morning? And that’s just to get you through a moment.”
The nonprofit also focuses on linking unhoused individuals with services that can help them transition off the streets. Trust, Nowak noted, often takes time to develop. “They might not accept it the first time,” he said. “It might take weeks, months, even years sometimes, but when they are ready, they know, ‘Hey, Shine A Light is here to help.’”
Recent successes amid the recovery effort
Just before the storm hit, Shine A Light helped connect seven people to withdrawal services. Those individuals are now being enrolled in the organization’s long‑term case management program. While the number may seem modest, Nowak stressed that each successful connection represents months or even years of relationship‑building and outreach work.
“They are going to be getting connected to our long‑term case management program as of today,” he added.
Continuing support as the valley recovers
As recovery efforts continue, Shine A Light plans to keep its teams on the ground, checking on residents, distributing supplies and offering referrals to health, housing and employment resources. “Just because people live underground or on the streets dealing with substance use disorder, they’re still a part of our community,” Nowak said. “When someone is suffering, we all pitch in a little bit more.”
Community members who wish to support the nonprofit can learn more about donation opportunities and volunteer needs on the organization’s website.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
