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Season's greetings, friends and neighbors!
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to our Ward 5 residents and to everyone across the city of Las Vegas!
As we begin the holiday season in earnest and gather with our loved ones, I encourage everyone to travel safely and take precautions in the kitchen to prevent injuries and food poisoning. (Check out these articles from John Hopkins and Food Safety.gov for holiday cooking best practices!)
If you're cramming in some last-minute holiday shopping, please keep our small businesses in Ward 5 and across the valley in mind! Small businesses employ our friends and neighbors and are the heartbeat of our local economy.
From me and the entire Ward 5 Council staff, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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
The Just One Project Recognized As Citizen Of The Month
I had the joy of honoring The Just One Project as December's Citizen of the Month! Their work to combat food insecurity and provide much-needed social services in our community is greatly appreciated, and I'm so glad to have them in Ward 5!
Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting At Fremont Street Experience
I was excited to kick off the holiday season with Mayor Berkley with a Christmas tree and menorah lighting at Freemont Street Experience. Happy Hannukah to those who celebrate!
Tony Hsieh Day At Strong Start Academy Elementary School
Thank you to everyone who helped make Tony Hsieh Day at Strong Start Academy Elementary School such a success. It was an honor to join Mayor Berkley and Councilwoman Diaz for the ribbon-cutting of the expanded education center, adding 10 new classrooms and increasing capacity to 360 students. This expansion marks an exciting step forward for the school’s English–Spanish immersion program and the families it serves.
Legal Aid's Pro Bono Awards Luncheon
I was proud to join Legal Aid of Southern Nevada at their Pro Bono Awards Luncheon, celebrating 25 years of dedicated volunteer attorneys who have positively impacted thousands of lives across our community. These remarkable lawyers provide free legal assistance on critical issues, such as family reunification, domestic violence, child custody and landlord-tenant disputes. Their generosity and commitment ensure access to justice for neighbors who otherwise could not afford legal representation, and our community is stronger because of their service.
SEIU 1107's Holiday Party
SEIU 1107's holiday party was a fun way to connect with community members in style! Thank you SEIU 1107 for another fantastic event!
Bolden Community Coalition Meeting
Councilwoman joined community leaders and the Bolden Area Command at their Community Coalition Meeting this past Thursday for an important discussion on community safety. The Ward 5 office was proud to support the meeting by providing refreshments for attendees.
Home For The Holidays With Walker Furniture
I was honored to attend the 32nd Annual Home for the Holidays luncheon alongside Mayor Berkley, my colleagues and community leaders. We all joined in celebrating Walker Furniture and its lasting impact on families across our community. Their dedication and service help make our city such a special place. Thank you to Larry, Deanne, and Dary Alterwitz for their continued commitment to providing the dignity of quality furniture to families in need — especially during the holiday season. Their generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many each year.
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.
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!
Winter Break Camp Registration Is Now Open!
Sign your child up today for age-appropriate activities to keep them engaged and busy during the winter break!
See individual facility listings or call for more information.
Free Tree Giveaway
Homeowners living in the following listed zip codes may qualify for a free tree through the city of Las Vegas, along with irrigation in the front yard of your home!
To learn more and apply, scan the QR code below.
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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