Over the past several weeks the number of people at the Nevada CARES Campus shelter has grown.
As of Friday evening, there are 531 people staying at the shelter, according to a joint statement from the City of Sparks and Reno.
Either way, the $9 million shelter seems to be triggering concerns.
"Too much violence and drugs, and I don't think they have enough staffing to carry and take care of all these people all at once,” said Melissa Gomez who is staying at the campus.
We watched Melissa Gomez walk into what she considers a feeding ground for drugs and violence.
“It's just not safe to have too many people,” Gomez added.
The Nevada CARES Campus’ intentions are to provide food and shelter, however, one after another, multiple people we spoke to say they do not feel safe there.
Some are claiming there was a stabbing.
The City of Reno, who runs the shelter, denies that claim.
Although they do say there was a man who pulled out a knife before security stepped in and took it away.
2 News asked the city if our crew could see the conditions in there for ourselves, but the city has not given access yet.
We asked an unsheltered man name Michael Johnson if there is anything good about the campus, and he replied, “no.”
So, we asked Raymond Cobb, another homeless man using the shelter’s services, “What's the difference between there and the streets?”
“The only reason why you come here is shelter -- you get out of the sun or get out of the rain and weather,” replied Cobb.
Despite the concerns, it is a low-barrier shelter, which means partners, property and pets are allowed.
"This place attracts the thief." Cobb claims.
