COLUMN: Carmel Hopkins

I received a phone call in early November from Miriam Rodriguez, director of residential services from Nevada H.A.N.D. (Housing and Neighborhood Development), letting me know that the company was gearing up its annual holiday assistance program.

"Because so many people have been put out of work or have had their hours reduced since the recession started and especially since 9-11, we're concentrating on raising food this year," she said.

Last year, workers from the company and their community partners contributed 1,045 toys, 6,000 nonperishable food items, 31 food baskets and adopted 12 families.

The company's Resident Services Department implements medical, recreational and educational activities, case management and social services, and provides transportation for a resident population of about 800 seniors, 1,200 adults and 1,300 children.

Nevada H.A.N.D. Inc. is a local nonprofit developer of affordable housing for low-income families and seniors. The company continues its efforts with the construction of phase two of Stewart Pines, a senior project near Stewart Avenue and Maryland Parkway; and the multi-family community of Silver Pines in the southwestern valley.

Monday, I chatted with Troy Aguila, the media contact for the Nevada H.A.N.D. charity event.

Aguila said the effort this year has been spectacular.

"Last year we had a lot of toys and still had some left over," he said. "Also, last year there was a monetary donation for toys that we didn't use, so we were able to use it this year."

Aguila said the effort so far has raised the food and goods it needed for 17 families. "It's going so well, we're adding a couple more families."

He said the coordinators have made assessments for seniors' needs, as well as for families.

"They (the coordinators) made a wish list for toys for the children. For seniors, it's things they may need around the house."

Aguila said the coordinators were hard at work writing letters for Walker Furniture's Holiday Giveaway. He said he understands they are competing against numerous charities for the giveaway, so it's important to get that information out about needy residents.

Anyone with questions about the program should call Susan Johnson at 739-3345, ext. 239; or e-mail: sjohnson@nevadahand.org.

Aguila said the Resident Services Department has put out collection boxes at 46 locations, from lawyers' offices to sites at UNLV.

"A lot of companies -- vendors we use such as plumbers, Sierra Title -- have let us put down boxes in their offices and are allowing us to use the services they have.

"Seniors especially need things such as cleaning supplies and toiletries," he said. "We (resident coordinators) already know who's in need."

Aguila stressed it's an ongoing process.

"We grab people out of our communities and get them things they need. It's a year-round thing."

The developer provides a safe and positive environment benefitting all sectors of the community in need.

"With (the public's) help, we can continue to provide these essential services and expand our efforts to help Nevada's most vulnerable populations," Rodriguez said.

Let's lend them a hand.

Carmel Hopkins, real estate product manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, can be reached at 380-4574. Her e-mail address is Carmel_Hopkins@ lasvegasnewspapers.com. Snail mail is P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.

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