Homelessness has become a growing problem in Las Vegas, and business owners along Boulder Highway are feeling the impact. Privately owned vacant lots near the intersection of Boulder Highway and Russell Road have become a haven for homeless individuals, causing issues for nearby businesses.
Evelyn Guin of FlowerEve Gift and Home, who has owned her business for seven years, has seen a decline in customers due to the encampment. She has reported incidents of homeless individuals harassing customers, begging for money, and stealing from shops. Guin and her husband have tried multiple times to shut down their business due to the situation, with many customers afraid to come to the area.
Across Boulder Highway, Duck Creek RV Park’s Maintenance and Security Manager, Gerald, also acknowledges the growing camp and its challenges. He emphasizes that collaboration between law enforcement, property owners, and community members will be crucial in finding a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by the homeless encampment.
Metro’s Homeless Outreach Team has offered resources to the encampment multiple times, but many have declined. When resources are declined, officers work with Clark County Code Enforcement and property owners to clear the area. Officer Baron Bybee emphasizes the importance of giving individuals appropriate time and attention when conducting cleanups and offering resources to the homeless.
Business owners are encouraged to contact either the Southeast Area Command or Metro’s Homeless Outreach Team directly if they are experiencing issues related to the homeless encampment. Efforts to reach out to the owners of the vacant lots for their plans regarding the area’s future have not been successful as yet. As
