LAS VEGAS (AP) — A recent census report says more homeless people in Clark County are choosing to stay on the streets than stay at a shelter.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Saturday that this year's Southern Nevada Homeless Census found that the number of homeless without shelter has been on the rise for the past four years.
In January, the local homeless census counted 600 more people were staying in places such as parks, cars and abandoned buildings than in 2016.
Clark County's Continuum of Care Coordinator Michele Fuller-Hallauer suspects the increase may be due to lack of knowledge of where to find assistance along with few affordable housing options.
William Young says he's choosing to stay on the streets over a shelter over fear that someone might steal his belongings.