Mayor’s Faith Initiative

In the spring of 2012, more than 120 faith leaders representing more than 70,000 congregants from Las Vegas valley houses of worship responded to Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman’s invitation to help change the city through faith in action. These faith leaders and executive team members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department joined in table discussions, which identified the following as key community issues affecting their congregations.

• Addictions – The initiative works to assist vulnerable populations and connect them to resources to help them break the cycle of addiction
• Education – Promotes academic success and well-being for every student by building relationships between the community, schools and educators
• Homelessness – Working to end homelessness in southern Nevada
• Human trafficking – Reducing the number of people involved in sex trafficking through awareness, education and connecting with the community
• RECAP/Community Unity – Promote peace, reduce violence through education, training and awareness to increase public safety by developing collaborations with Faith-based, law enforcement, schools and government agencies
• Strengthening the Family – This workgroup focuses on resources and collaborations that positively impact the family unit

The city of Las Vegas provides the venue, the facilitator and strategic planning guidance to work groups who meet on a monthly basis to explore the six selected areas. In addition, the United States Conference of Mayors recently recognized the initiative for making Las Vegas a more livable community as noted in this blog. For more information or to get involved please call 702-229-5421 or email llopez@lasvegasnevada.gov

Resources

• Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Public Housing
• Nevada HAND income-based housing now leasing
• Family Counseling Services of Northern Nevada Free Summer Camp for children affected by abuse or violence
• Free Summer Meals for families in need from CCSD
• National Low Income Housing Coalition reports
• Nevada Homeless Alliance is looking for a Part-Time Program Manager

Upcoming Events

• Tiny Home Summit, Feb. 22
• Emotional Distress Mitigation, March 28 & 29
• Family Resource Fair, April 11
• Free Sports Physicals, July 3 – Sept. 28

Upcoming Meetings

All meetings occur monthly, excluding December, and are held at in training room 5 on the first floor of City Hall, 495 S. Main St.