In Las Vegas, a new ordinance now makes it a misdemeanor to camp or sleep in public areas – including sidewalks, streets, and residential zones. The las, aimed at addressing visible homelessness, has sparked deep conversation about what safety, dignity, and responsibility look like in our city.

On paper, the ordinance is designed to keep public spaces clear and maintain order. In practice, it exposes the growing tension between housing scarcity and enforcement- a challenge felt most deeply by those without stable shelter. For individuals already navigating trauma, hob loss, or reentry after incarceration, criminalizing where they sleep adds another layer of instability.

At Dignified living community, we believe there’s a better way. Every person deserves a safe place to rest- free from fear, fines, or arrest/ Our work centers on stabilized, non-medical shared housing for seniors, veterans, and reentry residents- people who often fall through the cracks of traditional housing systems.
Mahaa Hughes

 

This ordinance underscores why our mission matters:

• To provide safe, affordable homes as an alternative to streets and shelters.
• To collaborate with local agencies and case managers so no one faces homelessness alone.
• To replace punishment with placement- bridging compassion and accountability.

Policies can set boundaries, but communities build solutions.

As Las Vegas enforces this ordinance, we invite our neighbors, policymakers, and advocates to think beyond enforcement- and toward empowerment.

If you’d like to support our housing efforts or learn how to refer a client in need, visit our Apply or Refer page. Together, we can turn crisis into stability- one home at a time.