Our Downtown Ambassadors, "Eyes and Ears for Police"

One of Reno’s downtown ambassadors Jeremy Lambert recently told a group of youth holding a protest sign to move to a wider part of the sidewalk.

Explaining the Role of Ambassadors

When we asked to interview downtown ambassadors, we were told we needed to interview Alex Stettinski, the executive director of the “private non profit” Downtown Reno Partnership, which according to its website is also the first business improvement district in Nevada.

Stettinski’s bio page states the former vice president at Visit West Hollywood “will also become the face of downtown Reno with plans to encourage new businesses to enter the core.”

One of the most visible components of this new initiative are the ubiquitous blue-shirted or blue-vested, Segway-riding “downtown ambassadors", hired through a company called Streetplus, which according to the website, has “25 years experience cleaning up city districts.”

“Ambassadors are a team of professionals, a team of people … being additional eyes and ears for the police force, so they support the police team, when it comes to smaller incidents, so that police really can focus on the things that they need to focus on and are not constantly distracted by very little minute things that they're being called for right now,” Stettinski said.

“They're also calling out any safety or cleanliness issues in the area and they work closely with Public Works, city hall to make sure that cleanliness issues are taken care of. And their hospitality guys on the street, they welcome visitors, they give them directions. They tell them where to go… And then they're also supporting our efforts to address homelessness … by forging relationships, you know, with the people that are on the streets, talking to them, connecting with them, and hopefully getting them into treatment or into facilities that will help them further if they choose to do so,” he said.

Stettinski said his passion lies in making downtown areas vibrant again.

Another “ambassador” keeps a close eye on Virginia street from the vantage of her Segway. “Just because there is a team in place that has Segways and wears a uniform doesn't mean that this team is bad and negative. It could be perceived as such beca… — Another “ambassador” keeps a close eye on Virginia street from the vantage of her Segway. “Just because there is a team in place that has Segways and wears a uniform doesn't mean that this team is bad and negative. It could be perceived as such because that's what usually is the case, this team comes in with a different approach. It's possible that this approach is not quite understood by some of the community,” Stettinski said of possible negative feedback.

Mixed Reviews and Concerns

We asked different people what their impressions were so far.

“They’re to facilitate anything we may need out here,” said Sierra, who’s going into her seventh year living on the streets. “I think they are targeting homeless people but basically they’re for anyone, like say there’s a tourist that can’t find a place, they’ll give directions, but I think mostly it’s for us, to facilitate what we need out here.”

Some downtown workers, however, were less impressed. Darrell, a longtime casino worker, said that other issues should be getting more attention. “Health code violations in some of the buildings, and illicit drugs on the street, and uh solicitations for sex,” he said of what he thinks should be the focus.

The first year budget for the overall project is reported to be $2.3 million. The money is said to be going toward the nonprofit's staff and operations, downtown street maintenance, extra police and paying the ambassadors themselves.

The project is set to last 10 years, with an evaluation scheduled halfway through.

Robert, a retiree who started living on the streets earlier this year, said the ambassadors helped connect him to the local Gospel Mission. “They do a fine job in itself, um, talking to people, and helping the homeless people with their ability to stay out of the cold,” he said. “They’re up to par, they say what’s right and what’s wrong.”

Others we spoke to off the record said they didn’t like the connection between ambassadors, the Downtown Reno Partnership and local police, saying it created distrust.

Defending the Ambassadors

Stettinski, whose Facebook still has him listed as living in Beverly Hills, said dealing with the homeless is “complex”. He points to operations manager, Grant Denton, having been homeless and an addict himself in the past. “He understands what people go through,” Stettinski said of Denton. “I mean, he has more compassion. And so that's what the ambassadors, that's the angle that they're coming from, is trying to understand, trying to connect and then trying to find a solution. “

“We don't intend to be a threat,” Stettinski said during our interview, addressing certain concerns from those living on the streets. “We’re intending to make changes, changes for the better.

Changes for the Downtown Homeless Population

“Sometimes the ambassadors are a little bit firm, and I don't think some of the homeless population that we have are used to that,” Stettinski continued, admitting ambassadors do create a new environment, which may not please everyone. “I think that they are used to just being left alone, to do whatever. And now, that has changed. So the ambassadors could be perceived as a threat possibly because of that. We do what needs to be done within the law to make sure that the area is revitalized. And at the same time, the individuals that we're dealing with … you know, they're not, just being pushed over or pushed around, but they're being taken care of.”

He said on average two people per day were deciding to go the downtown shelter after being talked to by ambassadors. Many of those living on the streets complain the shelter feels like prison, with many rules, fights, bullying, stealing, others screaming throughout the night, crammed sleeping, early hours you have to exit, a limit on your possessions, separation of couples and not having animals allowed, among several grievances.

A screengrab above of the Downtown Reno Partnership website.

An Inclusive Downtown?

Stettinski said his long term vision for downtown Reno is what he calls “balanced”.

“Balanced doesn't mean that there's no homeless people in downtown,” he said. “Absolutely not. I mean homeless people have as much of a right to enjoy any space as anybody else. That is not our goal whatsoever. Our goal is to create an environment that is balanced, an environment that homeless people as well as not homeless people feel comfortable in coming and enjoying. That's really the ultimate goal.”

He sees hope for downtown Reno, as he sees many caring people in the community including the ambassadors, even if he says some will resist this new effort.

“We all have to embrace change. We all have to realize things,” he said as we concluded the interview. “The status quo, the way it is, cannot be kept… I mean, look at downtown, it has proven that there are things missing and it has proven that the solution was not quite there so far. So the ambassadors are sort of the next attempt to find something. But it includes everyone. We go out of our way to walk people to wherever they want to be. Because … what I was told is that, you know, people, when they were talking about any programs and services that we have in this town, they don't feel comfortable going there. They don't know whether they're welcome, they don't know how to even talk to the front desk or something. So the ambassadors will do that for them. They go with them and they introduce them, and they hand them you know, to some other caring person in an organization. Seriously. I mean, I have to say that I have not met a community so far as caring for the demographics that you are now talking about as they are here. I'm being really, really serious. “

Reporting for Our Town Reno by Prince Nesta, Jordan Blevins and Jess Marquez

THEE Reverend Rory Dowd, Guiding and Preserving Reno's Eclecticism

“I mean I have no discernible talents. I was a college drop-out. But no, I have a master’s degree. I did go back to school. I am, you know, I am a writer, I’m a poet, I’m a bass player, I’m a songwriter, I play guitar,” Dowd said during our intervie… — “I mean I have no discernible talents. I was a college drop-out. But no, I have a master’s degree. I did go back to school. I am, you know, I am a writer, I’m a poet, I’m a bass player, I’m a songwriter, I play guitar,” Dowd said during our interview at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor, where he’s hosted open mics among other nighttime communal activities. Photo by Drew Winkelmaier.

A Wide Range of Talents, Jobs and Occupations

Dowd is a co-host of the growing Worst Little Podcast (tagline: Podcasting Live from the Recent Past). He’s also an organizer of musical events such as the Marianarchy Balls, which benefit a local person in need, started in honor of Marianne Psota , a local music promoter who died in 2004.

It’s difficult to keep up with and list all Dowd does. He’s had more than a half dozen different jobs this past year, many of them simultaneously. In late December, he announced he had just started working as booking manager at Dead Ringer Analog Bar on East 4th street. That bar is located in Reno’s newly anointed Brewery District, and says it plays only music from analog formats, including some of his favorites, rock, punk and metal. The eclectic mix of the bar’s vinyl music in addition to comedy, spoken word, hip hop, djs, goth, trance, funk, soul, experimental, puppet shows, performance art, tumbling and silks to name just a few fits both Dowd and Reno to a T.

Dowd, a fashionista whose facial hair and haircuts go through many of their own variations, is very much involved in many different aspects of Reno’s music, bar and theater scene, from bartending and holding nighttime bar services to playing music at big downtown events to managing entertainment Facebook pages.

Listen below to Drew Winkelmaier’s audio first person account of catching up with him:

A Slow Blowing up of a Balloon and a Simmering Pot

“It’s been this progressive slow blowing up of a balloon and I definitely think we are at a really critical point,” Dowd said of Reno’s thriving cultural scene. “You know, not quite before a balloon bursts, but when a pot is simmering right before it boils over. It’s really hot, it’s very creative. There’s a lot of people doing really great stuff here,” Dowd said.

The podcast which “has been mucking up the internet since 2010”, according to its website, was recently recognized by the Reno News & Review as Reno’s top podcast.

“We just kept doing it, putting our friends on and it got traction and we find ourselves here eight years later being a real repository of art and culture and people, with interviews of local creators. I kind of did some ballpark math and realized we’ve literally done over 1,500 almost 2,00 hours worth of interviews,” Dowd said.

Photo, Audio and Reporting by Drew Winkelmaier for Our Town Reno

Jamie, Lost Without Her Kids and Fending Off Assaults on the River

“I'm Jamie and I come from Oakland, California. I found myself here at the river bank after troubles at home,” the mother of six told us. “I lived in Winnemucca and we just had troubles there, you know, with family and always fighting and not gettin… — “I'm Jamie and I come from Oakland, California. I found myself here at the river bank after troubles at home,” the mother of six told us. “I lived in Winnemucca and we just had troubles there, you know, with family and always fighting and not getting along. And I figured it would be better if I just left. I came to Reno about two years ago. I've been staying at the river bank for about two years.”

Safety Issues Along the River

Being a woman is especially challenging, Jamie says, when living on the river.

“I've never stayed alone,” she said in our recent interview. “There's very few girls out here and lots of men so I always have company, always. It's pretty tough being a woman and being homeless here at the river bank. I mean, people disrespect you … sexually … They steal your stuff. It's hard.”

Men she said will offer drugs in exchange for sex. She also has to deal with constant theft.

“It's hard to keep on coming back up on blankets or jacket or shoes or like they just took milk last night. It's harder to, to leave your stuff there and try to go get a life, you know what I mean?”

She says she’s also had her ID stolen which makes it harder to get regular jobs, but she does work for cash, cleaning houses, and helping people with their chores.

Leaving Her Kids in Winnemucca and Wondering about Seeking Help

She says she isn’t allowed to talk to some of her kids, who were adopted. She says she’s suffered with drug addiction, including meth, since she was 13, but that she’s been sober now for a while.

Without her kids now though, she says she feels like her life is empty. Through phone calls and text messages, she has reconnected with her 16-year-old daughter, but would want to be closer to her kids.

She hesitates, she says, to seek out help to change her life.

“I can't really say I've been trying to find a place to stay because I've had several places to stay,” she said. “I just choose to be on my own. I think it's part of independence and dependency. I keep on trying to do it on my own, but I think that I need to just admit that I'm going to need some help. It's hard though. It's hard for me to take help or take anything from anybody.”

Still though she wants to prove to herself she can turn her life around on her own. “I would like to be helped by doing it on my own,” she said. “I just want to do it on my own because I've been married and never really did it on my own. So here I am, but I suck at it.”

On downtown streets, she says she tries to avoind the new downtown ambassadors, who point the homeless to services. “I think they're out here to watch, protect and be like the cops third eye or something. I don’t know, but I think they are snitches … — On downtown streets, she says she tries to avoind the new downtown ambassadors, who point the homeless to services. “I think they're out here to watch, protect and be like the cops third eye or something. I don’t know, but I think they are snitches and I don't know what power or what they're there for, so I never really talk to them.”

Comparing Homelessness at the Shelter, on the River and in Downtown Reno

She says she felt like “a rat in a cage” at the main shelter …. “you know, because they send you back and forth, back and forth and you never really get anywhere,” she said.

She feels judged when walking around downtown. “Most people, they, they judge you if you have a backpack on, they judge you, you know. I remember two winters ago it was freezing cold and that's when I first got here. I didn't have any directions and I went into a casino and I was wanting to charge my phone and they told me I had to go or I had to gamble or whatever. And they made it like I was doing something wrong and everywhere I go, they're like that. They're just, if they think you're homeless then they just want to be on your ass and kick you out.”

Recently, she says police have been forcing people off the river banks, and with the river also getting higher, and more men finding out where she lives, making her feel unsafe, she told us it was time for her to move for a while.

“I plan on going back to Winnemucca before Christmas so I could at least see my kids for Christmas and then I'll figure it out from there…. You know, in the beginning I was a housewife but then I just played around too much and ever since I haven't had my kids. I'm lost….”

Any regrets? “I don't have any regrets because it makes me who I am today and there's some things I took for granted but if I didn't take those things for granted then I wouldn't know how special some things were,” she said.

Reporting by Prince Nesta and Jordan Blevins for Our Town Reno

What Do Students Think of UNR's Endangered Historical Homes?

Old historical homes at the southern edge of the UNR campus are again facing possible demolition amid the university’s expansion after a nonprofit realty group backed out of an earlier agreement to purchase and relocate some of them. The homes are o… — Old historical homes at the southern edge of the UNR campus are again facing possible demolition amid the university’s expansion after a nonprofit realty group backed out of an earlier agreement to purchase and relocate some of them. The homes are on a strip of land between 9th Street and Interstate 80 that UNR has called “The Gateway District”. Above, the Armstrong House, at 821 N. Center Street, was once the home of celebrated poet Joanne de Longchamps. She willed the house to UNR in 1983 and it has been used recently as the school’s “International Center”.

Concerns about History, Current Housing and Parking

While preservationists, politicians and university officials have weighed in repeatedly on the fate of the old Queen Anne homes built over 100 years ago when Reno was a very small town, what do students think of the possible plan to change that entire area into a new business and life sciences complex?

Junior Weston Irons expressed concern.

“I’m all for expanding campus, but if it’s at the expense of historical houses, I think there should be another approach to it,” he said. “I don’t think they should demolish the houses, because if they do, Reno is losing a significant part of history.”

Some students said they felt inspired by having buildings which were historical and which gave them context to the evolution of higher learning.

But other students, such as Brooke Lanier, also a junior, are not impressed by the houses.

“The houses look really dingy, so I’m okay with them going,” she said. Still she said, she is not entirely for erasing history. “I think they should still commemorate the space with a plaque or something so that everyone knows, ‘Oh there was something here that was really cool.’”

Overall, many students said they were unaware about these new plans on their campus. What many would want to see more of, they said, as the university expands and keeps building, is more student housing.

Irons, for his part, is more worried about the lack of parking.

“Definitely not more dorms, I think we have enough of that and I see way too many young people,” he said. “We could definitely use more parking because we all have nowhere to go.”

Reporting by Maclyn Crnkovich for Our Town Reno

Vince King, from Craps Dealer to Taxi Driver to Homeless

Ending Up on the Streets of Reno

King felt the casino work lifestyle was not for him, so he tried out being a cab driver in Reno for a decade or so, but now he says he's been jobless lately and on the streets for the past six months.

He's mobile with his backpack and depends on a quality tent he carries. “The other day I was out in the rain and didn’t get a drop on me,” he said.

Listen to King describe his journey below:

“Today, I’m going to the library and go on Craigslist and try and find a job, any kind of job, washing dishes or whatever. You just have to be strong.”

— Vince King

Looking for Security and Stability

King said it's hard to get around without a bus pass, without much money to spend. He says he takes a lot naps as he struggles to find his way again.

King said hopes to find a job soon and a girlfriend to help him secure financial and emotional stability. While waiting for the next bus to arrive, he said he was going to call his mom to see how she was doing. Photo and reporting by Jordan Blevins … — King said hopes to find a job soon and a girlfriend to help him secure financial and emotional stability. While waiting for the next bus to arrive, he said he was going to call his mom to see how she was doing. Photo and reporting by Jordan Blevins shared with Our Town Reno.

Photo, Audio and Reporting by Jordan Blevins shared with Our Town Reno

Candace, a Mother Hoping to go Back to School: "It's Got to be Possible"

Photo and Audio by Hannah Fogg

After being homeless for a few years, Candace hopes to go back to college to receive a degree in criminal justice. Candace has two kids and loves their personalities so much she turns to them for inspiration.  Photo by Hannah Fogg in downtown R… — After being homeless for a few years, Candace hopes to go back to college to receive a degree in criminal justice. Candace has two kids and loves their personalities so much she turns to them for inspiration. Photo by Hannah Fogg in downtown Reno.

"Don't give up hope. It's got to be possible. Just keep believing it."

In audio below, Candace shares advice for mothers balancing motherhood and school.

https://soundcloud.com/user-773249107/humans-of-reno-candace

Happy Valentine's Day, Big Daddy Batman Loves You

Photo and Interview by Mackenzie Mertz

"I'm kind of testing people's perceptions of what's real, what's fantasy or whatever," says Big Daddy, an aspiring actor, photographed and interviewed by Mackenzie Mertz.

As part of our #keeprenorad series, we present ‘Big Daddy’ who dresses up as Batman and occasionally spreads his love on street corners in Reno. In the audio link below, Big Daddy explains the reason behind his street performance.

https://soundcloud.com/kenzie-mertz-836516920/reno-big-daddy-batman-loves-you

Photo and Audio story by Mackenzie Mertz

Michael Brundage, Living in Uncertainty in Downtown Reno

The Ross Manor in downtown Reno was sold in December leaving some of its residents, such as Michael Brundage, uncertain as to what will happen next.

Roberta Ross, who had been the outright owner since 2001, sold the building to 22 people and family trusts for $7.3 million in December, according to news reports. The building, also known as the Ross apartments, had been in the Ross family for decades, and has more than 160 studios.

Reno Youth Radio’s Wyatt Daane spoke to one of the current residents about life there and the uncertainty in the change of ownership, and what that might mean for him. Listen to his audio report below picture.

“It’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in one place. I've been there six years and I'm kinda sketched if my rents going to go up or what's going to happen.”  Photo of Michael Brundage by Wyatt Daane. — “It’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in one place. I've been there six years and I'm kinda sketched if my rents going to go up or what's going to happen.” Photo of Michael Brundage by Wyatt Daane.

A former Marine, Brundage also talked about losing his job as a truck driver and getting really sick. He says he needs constant blood transfusions, can’t work anymore and that he doesn’t like it.

“That really bums me out because I’ve worked all of my life and I’m just kinda collecting social security and disability pension makes me feel like a zit on society’s ass," he said.

Worries for the Future

Brundage says he's worried about rising rents and ending up on the streets or his current place deteriorating.

"They might end up like some of these other places where they got a lot of crack heads in there, you know because there's nobody at the desk at night. But you know I'll stay, my lease is good for another year so, I'm good till then, they can't mess with me till then. But we'll see what happens. Things always work out, that's one thing about life, everything always works out... I mean, as long as I keep food in the fridge and a roof over my head, I'm happy because I've slept on the sidewalk a lot and it’s no fun. I’m just thankful, for every time I put the key in my lock, I give thanks."

Photo and Audio Story by Wyatt Daane shared with Our Town Reno

This story was done in partnership between Our Town Reno and the Reno Youth Radio initiative. To suggest more story ideas such as this one for high school students to report on, please contact Kyril Plaskon, Teacher Reno Youth Radio on 775-287-0302

Reno's Homeless Struggle With Harsh Conditions

Reporting by Jordan Gearey

As the Reno-Tahoe area recently experienced its first big snowfall of the new year, and braces itself for flooding in the days ahead, many of Northern Nevada’s less fortunate are struggling and at risk in the harsh conditions.

A short 60 second news radio version of this report can be found by clicking here.

A longer version can be found below.

Volunteers are being asked to help homeless who may be living along the Truckee River, now at risk of flooding.

With all the recent snow, more affluent and athletic residents may be gearing up for winter sports, but Reno’s homeless population is mostly struggling to find a warm and dry place.

It could get worse with floods being predicted in the coming days.

Doug, 64, lights up a cigarette while walking on 4th street near the area's only permanent and always filled to capacity shelter. He only gave his first name.

"There’s a lot of homeless people here, you know they’re hunkered down under the freeways and along the river and they’re cold," he said.

Finding shelter during the day becomes a question of life and death during cold, wet days, like here earlier this week, before the snowstorm. Photo by Jordan Gearey

Worse than Ever?

Doug says he’s been living in the area since 1980.

He says he believes the homeless problem is worse now than he’s ever seen it. He says he would like to see more help from the community.

"It’s going to take a while to do something with this. Definitely."

Doug says he’s living in a motel for the moment with his wife while he prepares for a job interview.

When conditions get really bad, people living along the river try to find enough money to stay at a weekly motel.

Navigating the System

Another man Jason, who was right outside the shelter, says he is currently without a place to sleep. Jason also didn’t give his last name. He said he found it difficult to maneuver the system for available services, including filling out applications.

"It’s actually very hard to find shelter, food, anything. You pretty much get taken off lists. Put on lists. You gotta wait three months to be on a list. You gotta wait it out."

There is currently just one official shelter in the Reno/Sparks area, and one temporary overflow shelter, also in downtown Reno, for those seeking a place to sleep on cold nights.

Jason said he would want more options for shelter.

"Maybe open another warehouse for the overflow so they have a spot to go. Cause it’s pretty hard," he said.

Reporting by Jordan Gearey for Our Town Reno

Manny, the Veteran who Overcame Addictions

Interview, Audio and Photos by Tim Lenard

“I’m breathing good. I quit gambling and drinking. I used to have a nice car before but then I lost everything,” said Manny Perez, at a recent dinner for Veterans. Photo by Tim Lenard.

Manny Perez has a wry smile as he enjoys a donated community holiday meal recently in Reno. He says he is doing better after a long stretch which involved the army, war, drinking, gambling and homelessness.

He went to different aid organizations, churches and the shelter in downtown Reno. Perez still relies on help, but his life, he says, is much improved.

“I got on my feet now, I have another car. Not new, but I got a car.”

Perez is fuzzy about when he joined the Army, giving different dates of 1966, 67 and 68.

“I volunteered for the draft because I was getting in trouble with the police. I’ve been an alcoholic for many years so I said ‘oh well at least, I will have a good life, I hope’. In a way, it was good and I got the VA benefits now. I don’t have to worry about Obamacare because I have the VA insurance. So that’s good.”

Parts of his Army experience he talks about, while other parts he brushes off.

“I was in the 5th Infantry Division. First we went through Mannheim, Germany for advanced training. We all said ‘we are gonna go to Vietnam anyway, what the hell’. What’s so funny over there in Germany we have to have these make believe wars. You know. ‘Oh this is fun I like it’, but in real life, forget it.”

Perez is thankful for the help he has received including this recent meal provided by the Reno Sparks Homeless Veterans group. Photo by Tim Lenard.

Back in the US, Perez struggled for years with addictions and ended up living on the streets. Like many others living in difficult straits, he avoided the homeless shelter.

“There’s a lot of homeless vets that would rather sleep (outside) because they don’t like the rules. You know, they got strict rules. I didn’t like em either. I went through that under the bridge, under the tree, whatever. For about a year and five months. Even then I would still gamble and drink. But then, I said no. That’s it, I’m gonna die out here. So I made up my mind no more gambling, no more drinking and I’m still alive. And I got a car.”

He says veterans barely getting by many times avoid assistance.

“A lot of homeless rather sleep out in the streets. So they can panhandle and all that. Even though some of them get Social Security but still. They got the money to rent they won’t do it. They want to be free like a bird.”

Bob Mello, wearing the Stars and Stripes shirt organized the benefit meal with his wife, as part of their efforts to help Veterans facing difficulties.

For Perez, a Mello dinner is always a highlight, as it was again this December.

“They always tell us thank you for your service you know. It makes me feel good. I ate too much, for the past ten minutes, I’ve been trying to get up but I can’t. They asked me if I want seconds, but no thank you. Next year.”

Interview, Audio and Photos by Tim Lenard for Our Town Reno

Never Forget our Local Homeless Veterans

Audio and Photo Reporting by Tim Lenard for Our Town Reno

With the holiday season upon us and the chill in the air, Our Town Reno wanted to catch up with our most recurring #heroesofreno, who go above and beyond to help the less fortunate among us, especially local veterans who served our country, but have now fallen on hard times. Multimedia reporter and Reynolds School of Journalism student Tim Lenard recently went to a holiday meal provided by the Mellos at a local Elks Lodge, and returned with these photos and this audio soundscape of the event below.

The Mellos with the Reno Sparks Homeless Veterans organized a recent holiday meal where homeless and low-income Veterans and senior citizens were invited. Those who attended left with a full stomach, holiday cheer and a goodie bag.

Rob McKevitt, a volunteer, was making some meatballs. He is also a veteran who served as recently as during Desert Storm.

Attendants left with a goodie bag which included tuna fish, sausages, cookies, crackers, water, socks, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Audio and Photo Reporting by Tim Lenard for Our Town Reno

Keeping Native American Culture Vibrant in a Changing Reno

Audio story and Pictures by Candice Vialpando

With Reno growing and changing rapidly, it is important to remember original cultures in our area. The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, which was established in the early 1900s, recently hosted their annual Numaga Pow Wow. It’s an event named for Chief Numaga, a Paiute leader known for advocating peace. But in our deep, dark past, this type of celebration wasn't always allowed.

“(What) Uncle Sam decided was that native people shouldn’t practice their ceremonies, they shouldn't dance, they shouldn't have a drum," explains the colony's community information officer Stacey Montooth. "The federal government thought at that time the best thing to do was to make it against the law for native people to dance. So it’s hugely significant to all native people. We dance because our ancestors couldn’t. So it's really, really important, it's super powerful. Every part has meaning.”

Photo by Candice Vialpando from the 2016 Numaga Pow Wow.

There are now laws that protect the Native American people, laws which allow them to host annual Pow Wows.

As Reno currently rebrands and hurtles forward, many say holding onto this type of culture is as important as ever.

Some worry that as Reno changes and becomes bigger, something could be lost, including local cultural heritage. Photo by Candice Vialpando

An attendee, Reno resident Kerry Brewster, expressed her concerns about the rapid growth that could change the biggest little city, and what could be lost.

“I see some changes where it is becoming more of a big city, which, it's a shame, but I really just hope instead that the people that come to this area are able to experience some of these things, instead of bringing the big city here, that they are able to adapt to learn more about what’s going on here.”

As the pow wow wrapped up, there was a prayer to be thankful for our daily lives and the spirit we all bring to our communities.

Chris Wyatt Scott, The Role of the Artist Builder

Reno-based "all-around artist" Chris Wyatt Scott recently built a tiny house in one day with discarded wood and materials to show that if we got together and really wanted to we could find real-life solutions to help and empower the homeless. Here he discusses his views on the role of artists and builders such as himself.

Chris Wyatt Scott is worn down, but satisfied, as he completed an extremely sturdy, functional, and nicely designed "teeny house" complete with a lockable storage box in just one day with discarded wood and materials.

Michele, Helping Homeless Youths

Michele is the executive director of the Eddy House in Reno which runs the YOU, a drop-in resource center for homeless youths.

If she had more funds, Michele would like to be open longer hours, and also have a housing component. Otherwise, she says, her help is like a "leaky boat."

Brian, Is Sleeping Under A Blanket Camping? And How to Survive the Cold

Brian was sleeping under a blanket under a bridge outside when we met him in April 2016, but he wasn't sure if he was breaking the law.

The bridge under which Brian slept during the winter 2015/2016, by the Truckee River, along the Reno/Sparks line.

Gretchen Tries To See Her Kids Again

Gretchen James has been to prison for altering a prescription for Oxycontin, has been homeless, faces displacement in her new rental unit in downtown Reno because of gentrification, tried to commit suicide and by doing so violated her parole, suffers from many health problems, is separated from her husband who abused her, but now she says, she is sober, and she wants to remain that way so she one day will be able to see her three kids again,

Even though she is struggling on many fronts, James says she is now sober and hopes to one day see her three kids again. Photo by Jose Olivares

Surviving Cold Days Outside the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission

Audio, text and photos by Pierce Baker

Even though the weather is starting to warm up, Reno residents and especially its most vulnerable, have certainly endured some cold nights and even days this winter. At night, recovering addicts and homeless are given the opportunity to stay warm at the faith-based Reno Sparks Gospel Mission in downtown Reno. Pierce Baker went to the mission and has this multimedia report.

Residents at the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission wait for lunch in an outside area.  They are only allowed inside for meals and after dark. Photo by Pierce Baker — Residents at the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission wait for lunch in an outside area. They are only allowed inside for meals and after dark. Photo by Pierce Baker

Paul Parent, the food manager for the program located on Timber Way and Valley Road, works daily to provide service to thousands of people per week.

Parent used to be homeless and is a recovering drug addict.

“We only service 18 and up, because you need to be legal to sign a contract," Parent said. "But we do have volunteers here that are younger. And what we do here is we feed 1,200 people a day.”

Some residents complain they can't go inside when it's really cold. Photo by Pierce Baker.

The dining room in which Dave works in houses about 20 volunteers. Reno Sparks Gospel Mission has around 120 volunteers in total.

Debbie Smalls who sits outside the shelter daily and gets food and shelter wishes the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission could do even more.

“I mean we are out here in the cold, the rain and the snow," Smalls said. "They let us go in there sometimes but it usually has to be below 32 degrees before they even let us in the shelters.”

Appreciation for the Mission

Yet, not all people who come feel this way.

Nancy, who also routinely comes to the shelter to eat and sleep, shares her appreciation for the program.

“Well, I work everyday but it is freezing in the morning but they do give us three meals a day and are very accommodating-giving us hygiene products and keeping us safe for the most part. They do what they can to keep us off the streets,” Nancy said.

Many homeless who sleep at the Mission stay in its courtyard all day, waiting for the next meal and a warm bed at night.  Photo by Pierce Baker. — Many homeless who sleep at the Mission stay in its courtyard all day, waiting for the next meal and a warm bed at night. Photo by Pierce Baker.

As for John, who also only wanted his first name used, the shelter is the only place where he can stay. He’s been homeless for the past two months,

“Around here at the shelter, we can only sleep from 8 PM to 4 AM and then after that we are pretty much out at 7 AM, we don’t have anywhere else to go except for here or go look for a job,” John said.

At around 5 PM each day, volunteers including Dave, serve dinner.

Contract Needed

Dave explains you have to sign a contract and participate in sermons to get access to the shelter’s help.

“This is totally voluntary, it’s 13-15 months," Dave said. "It is quite a long program and we just ask them if they want help then they can come. If they don’t want help, we don’t want them here. These beds are meant for people who want help.”

The Gospel Mission welcomes new volunteers and suggest they drop by or call their downtown office to begin the process of giving back to those most in need.

Photos, text and audio by Pierce Baker

Shinobi, From Homeless to Helper

Shinobi who used to be homeless in Los Angeles now helps the homeless in Reno through his involvement with the Morris Burner Hotel, and its weekly winter coat drive.

Shinobi in red coat: "Hopefully we can continue to do this as long as possible and change the world one jacket at a time."

Photo and Audio Interview by Lindy Z (Linda Zecchino) for Our Town Reno, February 2016

Nick Tscheekar, Helping Reno's Homeless Youth with the Community Foundation of Western Nevada

Nick Tscheekar sits at "The Circle" in downtown Reno as part of an outreach effort last year to connect with the city's homeless youths. Tscheekar, a recent University Nevada, Reno, graduate, is the Initiatives Director with the Community Foundation of Western Nevada. In the January 2016 interview below with Our Town Reno's Nico Colombant, he explains the scope of the problem, and programs he is working on to help improve the situation.

Helping Those In The Cold, by Reighan Fisher

In this December 2015 audio postcard from the cold of streets of Reno, Nevada, Reighan Fisher brings us a worker at the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, and Tim, who says he has chosen to live outside, despite the harsh conditions.