Churches around Carson City open their doors to the homeless November through March.
Socks are among items consistently needed during the cold winter months.
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.
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On August 28, 2022, Club members and the public are invited to attend the 80th anniversary celebration of Capitol City Gun Club in Carson City from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
All facilities at the Club will be open to the public with fantastic discounts on trap, skeet, five stand and sporting clays.
The Jazz and Beyond month-long festival in Carson City continues this weekend with the 4th annual Carson City Artist Studio Tours.
Today, Friday Aug. 19, the tours kick off at the Bliss Mansion, located on 608 Elizabeth Street across from the Governor’s Mansion.
On Thursday, a presentation was held at the Carson City Community Center during the Board of Supervisors / Board of Health meeting regarding how to tackle current homeless issues in Carson City.
The program has one goal: turn the unsheltered into sheltered.
Happy Friday Carson City! Let's take a look at what is happening throughout the region this weekend!
The new Carson City Arby's has an opening date of Sept. 19, according to the Carson City Business License Division.
However, it is not known if this will be a date to begin serving the public, or rather if it is when hiring and training will begin.
The new Arby’s, the second location in Carson City, is currently being built at 2943 Hwy 50 East. The construction has moved very quickly, after breaking ground in mid-July.
On Saturday, August 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. the Carson City Historical Society will hold a Chautauqua of Annie Roberts (done by Kim Harris), an old-fashioned picnic and silent auction. There are only a VERY FEW tickets still available for this event. Please contact Paula Cannon at (775) 887-8865 for reservations if you would like to attend.
Northern Nevada lecturer Mike Thomas' free presentations on Aug. 19 and 20 at Jack C. Davis Observatory on Western Nevada College's Carson City campus have been canceled. However, JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring plans to provide a presentation focused on photos taken by the NASA's James Webb Space Telescope on Saturday night at 7:30 to kick off a weekly Star Party.
Nevada Day, Inc. announced Thursday that the applications for parade entries are available online at NevadaDay.com. Parade entrants can complete their application, including float description and commentary for announcers to read when their float goes by.
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Legislative Interim Finance Committee on Wednesday approved more than $45 million in proposals using American Recuse Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support Nevada’s Children’s System of Care.
After more than three hours of public and board discussions regarding allowing additional cannabis dispensaries to operate in Carson City, the Board of Supervisors accepted the first reading of a policy that deals with potentially expanding the maximum number of dispensaries from two to four.
“I need a spirit of fairness here,” said Mayor Lori Bagwell.
Many issues were brought up during the review of the final Andersen Ranch subdivision map, including nearby residents who have experienced dust issues from mass grading on the site, the removal of promised bike lanes from the map, and more.
A Carson City School District student was honored by Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong as part of the national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign during the City Supervisors Meeting held Thursday morning.
What are you doing this weekend? Carson City Open Studios Tour is celebrating its 4th Annual Open Studios Tour this Friday through Sunday.
The Northern Nevada Dream Center’s 4th annual Back To School Bash is happening this Saturday, August 20 from 4 to 6 pm. In partnership with Lifepoint Church and Shine A Jesus Church, the Bash will be held at Fuji Park at 601 Old Clear Creek Road in Carson City.
Lake Tahoe is known the world over for its unparalleled recreational opportunities. From the lake’s crystal-clear waters, to the famed backcountry skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination.
A 35-year-old woman was booked Wednesday for two misdemeanor counts of contempt of court after making phone calls while in jail to a person she was ordered by the court not to contact, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office report.
Nursing students have long been successful in Western Nevada College’s Associate of Nursing program. One reason for their continued success, in part, is through the outstanding work and dedication of Deborah Ingraffia-Strong, who doubles as the college’s interim director of Nursing & Allied Health and as a Professor of Nursing.
Members of the Carson City chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby are thrilled that Nevada Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen helped pave the way for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to become law.
The new Carson City Panera will officially open in the beginning of October following some build delays.
According to a spokesperson for Panera, the estimated opening is set for Oct. 10, but it has not been finalized at this time.
UPDATE: At 6:18 p.m. The Carson City Sheriff's Office reports the stolen truck has been found. *** The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding a stolen truck taken from the area of State Street and Handelin Road in Carson City on Monday, August 15, 2022.
Members of the Carson City Host Lions Club will provide free vision screening to children at the Northern Nevada Dream Center’s 4th annual “Back to School Bash” on Saturday, August 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fuji Park. Lions from the Dayton Valley Lions Club will be assisting.
Mary is Pet of the Week for Nevada Humane Society’s Carson City shelter, and we simply cannot wait to tell you all about her!
Officials gathered Tuesday on the shores of Sand Harbor State Park for the 26th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit described legislation passed since last year’s event as a major step forward in the fight to keep the lake blue and confront climate change.
A joint meeting Tuesday between the Open Space Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission was held regarding an issue of whether or not to allow painted “kindness” rocks on Carson City parks and trail areas.
The issue came about after a private citizen took it upon themselves to remove hundreds of rocks along a paved or “hardscaped” section of the V&T Trail, claiming they believed them to be akin to graffiti.
A man who caused a disturbance at a South Carson Street business Tuesday was arrested for suspicion of felony possession of credit cards withouts the holder's consent and other offenses.
A joint meeting Tuesday between the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Commission voted on new dog ordinances, including allowing dogs at some previously prohibited areas, prohibiting off-leash dogs from certain trails and open space areas, and regulating where off-leash dogs can recreate.
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a workshop Thursday to discuss the request for proposal process, the solid waste franchise, to receive community input, and to provide staff with direction to develop a Request for Proposals for a solid waste franchise which will include the services to be provided, mandated, or eliminated as part of the franchise.
Donor Network West hosted a special remembrance event to honor the legacy of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hammond, which gathered family, friends and caregivers at Fianna’s Healing Garden at Renown Regional Medical Center.
A memorial portrait of Lizzy was crafted entirely out of organic materials and was featured on the Donate Life float at the 133rd Rose Parade Jan. 1, 2022 in Pasadena, Calif. The portrait — also called a “floragraph” — was gifted to her family during the remembrance event Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Nevada Humane Society's annual duck race returns Saturday, August 27, to Wingfield Park in Reno with live music, games, vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and more, including the race itself.
After exhausting all leads the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance to identify individuals involved in tool thefts in the Stateline casino area.
The Board of Directors of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society has announced dates in September and October for the remainder of the 2022 tour season of the historic Nevada State Prison.
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners will meet this Thursday, August 18, 9 a.m. at the county administrative complex, 27 South Main Street in Yerington.
A very large bear was seen Tuesday morning running around the Arrowhead, Bowers and Sunrise area of Carson City. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has been notified. Residents should leave the bear alone, bring their children and pets indoors and not get anywhere near him or her.
Bear sightings are unusual along the east side of Carson City and usually are far more common on the west side.
In partnership with Sierra Nevada Realtors, the 12th annual HopeFest returned on August 5 as Cornhole’s Best for HopeFest, a rockin’ cornhole tournament. More than 300 people from the Carson City area to join their community in some healthy competition, all for a good cause.
A 34-year-old man was arrested Monday for suspicion of misdemeanor embezzlement, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office report.
Released in time for Tuesday's Lake Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor State Park, a bi-state report by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board says efforts to reduce pollution and restore Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity remain on track, despite impacts from climate change and other factors.
NV Energy is replacing power lines across the Sierra. These pictures were captured Wednesday on Timberline Drive in Carson City, just west of Western Nevada College, but there is another effort going on to the south where Highway 50 goes over Spooner Summit.
The Nature Conservancy in Nevada and Sierra Nevada Journeys will host a Family STEM Night and Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15 at River Fork Ranch Preserve, 381 Genoa Lane, Minden.
UPDATE: The suspect, Jason Day, 48, was arrested for grand theft auto and two counts each of kidnapping and child endangerment. According to KOLO, when Day’s vehicle was stopped he told officers he left the children in the back at the nearby Holiday Inn Express.
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