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Hello friends and neighbors,
Even though December is in full swing, there's still time to get involved in your community! Check out the Looking Ahead - Come Join Us! section of this newsletter for fun events happening at the West Las Vegas Arts Center and to register for the NAACP's Civics Engagement Lab workshop series.
For those of you who have always wanted to engage and have a meaningful impact on your community, this fun workshop series is the perfect way to break down the systems that power the government at all levels and form actionable plans for change.
Remember - no one action is unimportant, and it's never too late to get involved!
Warm regards,
Shondra Summers-Armstrong
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Findhelp.org has a ton of resources, spanning from food to housing and work assistance, all near you! Just enter your zip code in the search bar to get connected with local resources, complete with addresses, contact information and next steps to get you the help you need. |
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More Than Just Groceries.
A systems approach to fighting food insecurity. They increase access to food, resources and services through the Food For All & Community Connect Programs. |
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Three Square
Families across Southern Nevada are experiencing food insecurity, many for the first time. In response to the growing need, Three Square Food Bank is expanding emergency relief efforts to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.
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The After Market
The After Market is a local grocery store in northeast Las Vegas providing food access in a food desert. As the only grocery store within a six-mile radius of the area, The After Market not only serves the general community, but also provides a food pantry for those in need, eliminating stigma and bringing forth inclusion.
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Local Food Pantries
The Ward 5 team has compiled a list of local food pantries to support residents experiencing food insecurity due to the temporary suspension of SNAP benefit payments. We encourage you to call ahead to confirm operating hours, eligibility requirements, and the accuracy of each listing.
Food Banks in Your Area
Clark County Social Services Food Pantry
Southern Nevada Food Banks
Other Local Food Banks
West Las Vegas Library Grand Opening
It's official! The doors of the new and improved, 41,000-square-foot, two-story West Las Vegas Library are now open! The new facility boasts community meeting spaces, job search assistance, and expanded tech resources, like 3D printing labs and digital literacy classes. This dedicated learning space marks another important milestone for the Ward 5 community in its goal to boost access to educational opportunities within the ward. Check out the new building and see what the Library District has to offer!
YourSpace America Self Storage Grand Opening
The Ward 5 office was thrilled to take part in the grand opening of the newest YourSpace America Storage facility! This impressive addition to our community will provide much-needed services and expanded convenience for our residents. Congratulations to Russ Colvin and the entire team — and welcome to the neighborhood!
National Action Network Housing Symposium
Thank you to the National Action Network for hosting a successful housing symposium! The panelist for this informational event on critical housing needs in the city of Las Vegas included Kathy Freeman of Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada, Kathi Thomas of Southern Nevada Housing Regional Authority, and Maurice Page of the Nevada Housing Coalition. We were able to discuss the current housing market, how it is affecting our community, policy and current events.
Liberty Baptist Church Christmas Tree Giveaway
Liberty Baptist Church in Ward 5, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, brought joy to families this holiday season with their tree giveaway and Christmas event. It was a heartwarming event where 500 trees were distributed to families. I was honored to be able to support this event!
The Hush Puppy Grand Opening
Special Assistant Julius Lightfoot represented Ward 5 at The Hush Puppy grand opening inside of the Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas. We welcome small business ventures in the ward and wish them lots of success!
Holiday Lighting With Cox Communications
Christmas came early to Ward 5, thanks to Cox Communications, as they lit up Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard with fun and festive lights. I had a blast chatting with community members, enjoying hot cocoa and fresh cookies, and hanging out with Santa as we were regaled by the Western High School choir!
Faith-Based Community Health Fair
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table at Second Baptist's Faith-Based Community Health Fair! We had fun chatting with constituents and sharing information about city resources and upcoming events!
Thanksgiving Giveaway with 100 Black Men Las Vegas
We had a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving! Thank you to 100 Black Men Las Vegas, Nevada Partners, Mayors Berkley and Goynes-Brown, and everyone that came together to make this year’s Thanksgiving meal giveaway a success! We also donated meals to Vintage Desert Rose Senior Apartments, Aida Brents, Bennett Plaza, Harry Levy Gardens, and Archie Grant housing complexes!
Bolden Area Command Christmas Toy Giveaway
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Bolden Area Command team is bringing joy to children ages 2-14 in need, with new, unwrapped toys and bikes for the holiday season. They are working with Mario's Market to make this Christmas special. Advance registration is required; children must be in attendance to receive a gift. See flier below for details.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
4-7 p.m.
Mario's Market
1425 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
 
The Corner Open Mic Presents CommUNITY
Share your talents at a unique open-mic event centered on the principles of Kwanzaa. This is a special night dedicated to celebrating community through artistic expression, welcoming all art forms including spoken word, music and beyond.
Come share your voice and be part of this harambee!
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
7-10 p.m.
FREE for ages 13 and up
West Las Vegas Arts Center
947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
NAACP Presents: Civic Engagement Workshop Series
Register today for the Civic Engagement Lab workshop series and take part in a hands-on program designed to empower participants with the knowledge, tools and skills needed to actively participate in local and national civic processes.
Learn how to advocate, engage in policy and lead initiatives that drive meaningful change in your community!
Neighborhood Partners Fund Applications Open Jan. 12!
School Choice Applications Are Open
For The 2026-27 School Year!
The Clark County School District (CCSD) is accepting applications for students interested in attending one of the district’s many school choice options during the 2026-27 school year.
Why it matters: The district offers families a wide range of options because we believe they should be able to choose the best educational opportunity for their child.
Students can apply to any of CCSD’s multiple school-choice options that have space available, through a family-friendly, one-stop website.
What’s next: School choice applications are open until 3 p.m. Jan. 13, 2026.
Attention Developers: Funding Applications For HOME Grants Are Available Online!
The city of Las Vegas grant application process is now open for HOME Investment Partnerships Program Grants (HOME). The request for proposal, public notice of funding and program manual with details on eligible applicants and requirements are available for review and download on the city of Las Vegas website.
Approximately $3.5 million in HOME and Account for Affordable Housing funds are available to create, preserve and improve affordable housing for low-income households. The following types of development projects are eligible for this funding:
- new construction
- acquisition/rehabilitation
- rehabilitation of multi-family units.
Developers who are in need of gap funding for the development of eligible affordable housing may apply. Low-income housing tax credits, private activity bonds or private funding would be the primary funding source.
The deadline for submitting completed HOME applications is 3 p.m. PST Jan.15, 2026.
For further information or questions, please contact Colleen Duewiger at 702.229.5276 or cduewiger@lasvegasnevada.gov.
We want you to stay informed on what is happening and what's forthcoming in your community! Use the link buttons below to look for events and view upcoming Planning Commission and City Council meeting agendas.
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