Carson City’s winter homeless program Night Off The Streets receives non-profit status
Submitted by Alejandra Rubio on Mon, 08/15/2022 - 12:50pm
After five years of providing nights free from the dangers of hypothermia and exposure for those experiencing homelessness, Carson City’s Night Off The Streets (NOTS), has been granted non-profit status.
“Believe in yourself, anything is possible, and never give up.” That's what Deacon Craig Lagier, director and president of the new board of directors for NOTS, had in his heart when he wanted to open up a space for the homeless during the winter.
After learning that four homeless persons died due to freezing temperatures while sleeping on the Carson City streets in the cold winter of 2016, Lagier proposed working with the local churches around Carson City to open their doors to the homeless; thus, in winter of 2017, Night Off The Streets started.
"My concern is that 'you are not going to die out here.' That's my main problem," said Lagier.
Offering comfort, lodging and a warm beverage, each of the five churches around Carson City take on a month of their choice to open their doors for those needing a warm place to sleep. Individuals are given a sleeping bag with their names left at the facility until they come back the next night and are transported to the next church once the month is up.
Now five years later, NOTS has grown to an organization that has created a board of directors, incorporated as a Nevada charity, and received 501(c)3 non-profit status.
From Nov. 1 through March 31, NOTS will start its program for those needing a place to stay during the harsh winter nights.
Utilizing their partnership with the Salvation Army, NOTS can use its bus to help pick up those in need at the FISH location at 9 p.m. before transporting them to whichever church is hosting NOTS that month.
Individuals staying at the facility must leave at 6:30 a.m. due to the churches holding service or A.A. meetings — but they are more than welcome to stay for service or an A.A. meeting, said Lagier.
With partnerships and grants this year, Carson City can help bring in social workers to help those who require assistance. Last year, NOTS partnered with Carson City Sheriff's Office Mobile Outreach and Safety Team, or MOST, and was able to help nine individuals gain full-time jobs and place seven into rehab.
"All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the partnerships and coordinated efforts of so many volunteers, churches, organizations, and people living in this fantastic community of Carson City," said Lagier.
With help from donations and volunteers, NOTS is hoping for a permanent 24-7 facility that can house and feed the homeless all year round.
In 2021, NOTS averaged around 25 guests per night, with more women who had been utilizing the service than in previous years.
From 2020 to 2021 alone, there was a 23 percent increase in the number of guests.
There are nearly 200 active volunteers within the NOTS program, who serve in pairs as the shelter operates overnight. Two volunteers work per shift with 6 total volunteers per night.
NOTS is always in need of donations, but knowing exactly what is needed is difficult as their guests change constantly.
Consistent items NOTS is always in need of during the cold winter months are hand warmers, new socks, warm beanies (no ski masks please), scarves, and decaf coffee (decaf tea as well if possible).
However, check or cash donations are always preferred. NOTS often serves guests who come in without basic needs items such as coats, clothes, shoes, etc., and being able to obtain specific sizes can be important.
For more information about donating or volunteering, contact Night Off The Streets Inc. (775) 600-2632 or email notscarson@gmail.com. The mailing address is P.O. BOX 1480 Carson City, Nevada 89702.
There is a zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol on the shelter premises, and those who violate the policy are removed.
