Our Town Reno has been trying to get a sense of operations inside the Nevada Cares Campus, but for now, unlike before it opened, it seems off limits to official tours and reporters.
“At this time we are not doing tours as we work to acclimate folks to the space and ramp up services. We are continuing to explore space for single women and our regional partners at Our Place. As of today, we are not turning anyone away. They will have space in the system, no matter their status,” Jon Humbert emailed us, after we emailed Reno Direct and VOA officials about concerns of limited spots for single women, as well as a lack of laundry services, clogged toilets, crammed bunk beds and unhealthy food. Our Place is the Glendale Ave. shelter for women run by RISE, which has been running at full capacity.
We also emailed about a man being handcuffed just outside the compound, Humbert wrote: “For the incident at the campus, I will refer you to RPD for any information on their investigation.” RPD was cced on the email but did not write back.
The worst complaint at the new campus has been concerning men’s toilets, which apparently were all clogged since late last week, making hundreds of “clients” have to use just a handful of porta potties. According to previous information from Humbert what’s been built so far came at a cost of $9 million dollars.
Despite the high price tag, we’ve been getting emails and messages from people staying or working inside with a wide range of complaints. Many are wondering if Washoe County does take over the entire operation, as expected instead of Reno, whether some rules, services and management will be changed. There are also concerns that the safe camp has yet to open, and worries over management of that separate initiative. The Washoe County website currently says it will expand outreach work with the Karma Box project for a temporary site, and that in the Summer / Fall 2021 an RFP (Request For Proposal) “will go out” for a long term camp operator. This has made some wonder how the Karma Box project was chosen initially, and based on what proposal and track record.
While some inside have commented on feeling “warehoused”, or worse in a “prison camp”, and feeling less safe, less in a community and more stressed than when they were camping previously, others have said they are grateful for having a legal bed and an opportunity to rebound, despite the early challenges the campus might present.
Some people eating at the NCC have called what’s occasionally inside buns “mystery meat.” Several have told us they much prefer healthy meals offered by volunteers, which in previous years were served by several groups in the courtyard of the Record Street shelter, before being shut down for security reasons.
Photographers apparently aren’t wanted on site either.