LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Most people are staying home for Nevada, but a valley nonprofit explained what happens if you don’t have a home.
A spokesperson for the CARE Complex in downtown Las Vegas said it’s “impossible” for the homeless population to practice social distancing. That leaves them at higher risk to catch and spread COVID-19.
The CARE Complex closed temporarily on Saturday. Employees will work remotely to continue helping the homeless.
“It’s heartbreaking because someone who is experiencing homelessness already has so many barriers to get through,” Mercedes Seyedin said.
Seyedin added other closures will halt progress in getting the homeless the necessary paperwork to apply for jobs or housing.
“It’s that much harder to get your I.D.,” she said. “The DMV is closed. To get your social security card, the social security office is closed. That’s going to increase the time these individuals are on the streets.”
Hundreds of homeless people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder on Foremaster Lane on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s one of those things, it’s hard to socially distance yourself when you have to stay in a shelter or it’s illegal to stay on the streets,” Seyedin said.
