Q & A: Sands Cares Fresh Start Mobile Showers Powered by Clean the World Bob Vickrey, West Care Director of Communications

Las Vegas Sands and Clean the World have announced a first-of-its-kind service in Las Vegas to help homeless people. The Sands Cares Fresh Start Mobile Showers Powered by Clean the World is a traveling hygiene unit that visits locations serving the homeless to provide showers, hygiene supplies and other resources. Made possible by a $250,000 grant from LVS, the Sands Cares Fresh Start Mobile Showers were unveiled in Las Vegas on July 27. The showers offer approximately 250 showers per week and will be located at community partner locations one day per week where clients will also have access to emergency shelter, food and clothing supplies, medical care and detoxification services. Partners include WestCare, CARE Complex, Nevada Homeless Alliance and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. Las Vegas has the sixth largest population of homeless individuals among major cities and the third highest number of unaccompanied homeless youth. More than 80 percent of these youth are unsheltered – the highest rate in the nation.

How do you feel about the Fresh Start Mobile Showers being here in Las Vegas?

· I’ve been in the Las Vegas Valley for over 40 years and have seen the many social and human issues that are plaguing the community. This project with Clean the World will better serve men and women who need assistance for hygiene, clothing and other services.

What does this project do for your organization?

· We may have never have had the opportunity to reach the people we will be able to reach now. With the mobile shower unit, West Care will have a bigger impact not only with our substance abuse treatment, but also with all of our other services that we provide.

What does this mean to you to have a community partner like Las Vegas Sands and Clean the World to create something like this?

· Las Vegas Sands’ philanthropy shows how to create a community partnership. LVS is a meaningful resource to us and they understand our goals in the community. We now have the opportunity to service more men and women in the Corridor of Hope. They need basic dignity of health and hygiene, essential services that make them feel human again. LVS and Clean the World are making this happen.

What impact do you think the Fresh Start Mobile Showers will have in Las Vegas?

· The highest cause of homelessness is the lack of available housing and withdrawal management. The mobile showers can help provide another level of humanization and dignity to those that need it the most.