Heather Engle
The Las Vegas Rescue Mission began in 1970 when Pastor Ed Compton and his wife began serving sandwiches to the less fortunate.
It has progressively grown into a large nonprofit, serving those struggling with substance abuse disorder and providing emergency shelter for women and children, men and intact family units.
Today, Heather Engle is CEO of the nonprofit organization, which has a thrift store, full medical clinic and dining hall that serves 1,000 meals daily.
She talked with Vegas Inc about the need for the organization in Southern Nevada, the mission’s goals and how locals can help.
What is the state of homelessness in Southern Nevada, and why are the numbers rising?
The state of homelessness is critical, and the numbers are increasing due to many individual circumstances.
Currently, we do not have the appropriate facilities for those who are suffering from chronic mental illness, and there is not enough dignified safe and children-appropriate housing for families to move into after we address the circumstance that caused their homelessness.
Affordable housing is a huge issue. Rents are so high, and when you couple that with all of the associated bills, it becomes close to impossible to afford.
What are the other ‘faces of homelessness’ that many people are not aware of?
Homeless youth ages 16 to 24, women with children, and 65- to 75-year-olds. Also, there is the working poor, which involves those who have employment but no housing.
Why are these other groups becoming more prevalent?
Homeless youth can blend in but are a large contributor when it comes to homelessness. They age out of foster care, face addictions, and some of the options for older children who are in Child Protective Services custody are not ideal.
Women with children are also becoming more prevalent. If there is a change in employment or other domestic circumstances, finding housing, daycare, school enrollment and benefits is a hefty lift for them.
Aging adults also have a very hard time. Finding senior care and senior living is expensive and not always or adequately accessible.
Additionally, the working poor are faced with heavy deposits and first and last month’s rent. Those numbers are so high, and it’s very hard to save for when you are homeless.
How do you accommodate the individuals at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission? What shelter and services are offered to them there?
For those struggling with substance abuse disorder, we have our in-patient Light House Recovery Program.
The emergency shelter is for men, women, women with children, and single fathers.
The Intact Family Program is where we keep the whole family unit together, however they identify as a family.
Explain your capital campaign and the funding goals.
With the demand for services and our growing city, we need to expand, rebuild and remodel the Las Vegas Rescue Mission.
Our buildings are aging, and some are in desperate need of a complete remodel. We will be adding three new buildings, including a new “Shelter of Hope” for women and children, and will increase our recovery beds by 30 as well as our shelter beds.
We will be adding a new chapel, administration offices, security, an intake building and a new medical clinic. Our funding goal is approximately $35 million.
What are the initial plans and then the long-term plans with the funding from the capital campaign?
We started the campaign three years ago and began raising money two years ago. We will build upon what each phase requires and continue raising money to complete the phases. We are grateful for the businesses and individuals who have stepped up to help us with our goals.
Why is it important for businesses and individuals to be charitable and help local nonprofits like the Las Vegas Rescue Mission?
The Rescue Mission, like many nonprofits, does specialized work. We are in many ways a foundation to the city.
We are all a few paychecks, a lost job, a health and insurance issue, or a tragedy away from a different life. This is where we step in. It is crucial that we have the funding, programming and staffing to grow as the city grows. The need for these services increases rapidly every year. Supporting us and many other agencies is giving back to what has been so freely given, as well as preparing for what you never would expect to happen to anyone.
To learn more about Las Vegas Rescue Mission or to donate to its cause, visit its website or call 702-382-1766.
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