1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

Nevada must reform its policies towards homelessness through comprehensive, humane approaches rather than criminalization measures that exacerbate hardship. Redirecting resources to expand affordable housing, mental health services, job training, and social support networks is crucial to providing reliable paths out of homelessness. Punitive ordinances penalizing vulnerable groups for lacking shelter perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization. A housing-first model focused on transitioning individuals into stable living situations, coupled with rehabilitative services, would better uphold human dignity while cost-effectively reducing chronic homelessness statewide.