Back in April, 2010 the city of Las Vegas unveiled a new campaign to help raise funds to aid the growing number of homeless. The so-called "Donation Stations" consist of recycled parking meters that have been painted bright green, into which the public are encouraged to empty spare pocket change.
A spokeswoman for the Corridor of Hope Center explained to us that while there are a number of other resources in place providing essentials like food and shelter for those who currently find themselves without a home, this initiative aims at bridging the gaps and providing necessary services that aren't currently covered. The example was given of how important it is in so many instances to have valid I.D., but that how obtaining a birth certificate or Social Security card can represent a costly expense and logistical problem for the homeless. Here's where the "Donation Station" project hopes to step in and make a positive difference in everyday lives.
Part of the "Home for Homeless Nevadans 10-Year Plan to Reduce Homelessness," the recyled parking meters can hold up to $75 each, depending on the denomination of the coins inserted. We were informed that from the time they were first introduced to the time of our phone call, $4,191.80 had been raised. To date, none of that money has been spent, pending the finaization of the guidelines dictating how the funds should be distributed. It's hoped that all will be settled within the next month and that the monies raised can start being put to work.
According to the 2009 Homeless Census, an estimated 13,338 individuals are homeless in Southern Nevada -- a figure that's almost certainly on the low side today, following two more years of unemployment and foreclosure woes in this state. There's currently a total of ten Donation Stations spread throughout the downtown area, if you'd like to contribute to the cause or even sponsor a parking meter:
1. City Hall Plaza, 400 Stewart Ave. 2. City Hall Sky Bridge, 400 Stewart Ave. 3. Port of Subs (City Hall), corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Stewart Avenue 4. Marriage License Bureau, 201 E. Clark Ave. 5. Arts District, 107 E. Charleston Blvd. 6. Premium Outlet Mall Bus Line (Grand Central Parkway) 7. Southeast corner of Fremont and Main streets 8. Northeast corner of East Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard 9. Northwest corner of Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard 10. Northwest corner of Ogden Avenue and Third Street
Donation Station image ©Matt Kotich via flickr.
