The Washoe County Human Services Agency says that 2600 people are served by the downtown Reno homeless shelter, but there are issues with overflow. A plan is progressing that would segregate women, families, and those suffering from post-partum depression, into their own facilities at the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Services Campus on Galetti Way.
“We've got everything signed off on that we need. Now we just need to get to work to get to work and figure out what we need to do to these buildings so we can bring people in,” said Washoe County Human Services Agency Director Amber Howell.
Specialized services for each group would then be available in each location. “What we know is that intensive case management really helps families and all situations are more successful when they leave a specific circumstance,” said Howell.
Segregating the groups would create a trickle-down effect on the current men's homeless shelter overflow locations. “There is another location offsite, so we can get rid of that. The men can be relocated to Records Street, so it frees up space there. The tent that happens from November to March, it allows for that to go away as well,” said Howell.
The new site would also have space set aside for senior care and those with dementia. “Washoe County is one of the third fastest growing counties in the nation for seniors. We know the demand for Alzheimer’s and dimension treatment is on the rise as well. So hopefully we can counteract some of that by opening the adult day health program,” said Howell.
Additional funding may also become available. “As we get into this project a little bit more. We might be able to identify a revenue source through Medicaid to offset some of those costs,” said Howell.
Currently the shelter does not bill Medicaid for services.
