Living next to chaos: How one HOA Is fighting back against homeless mayhem

By Kelly Chapman  

Nevada News and Views

If you live in Clark County, chances are you’ve seen it — tents popping up by the railroad tracks, shopping carts full of trash outside your local grocery store, or a stranger sleeping in the corner of your neighborhood park.

For one Home Owners Association (HOA) manager in unincorporated Clark County, the homeless problem has gone from frustrating to dangerous.

“We have this homeless encampment on the railroad right next to one of my HOA’s,” they wrote in an email. “They started a FIRE over the weekend.”

Fires aren’t the only concern.

Over the past year, this HOA has watched homeless individuals park illegally in resident spaces, openly use drugs, and damage private property — including tearing down a brick wall!

And when the HOA asked various entities for help?

“Here are the people who wouldn’t help us: Railroad,” the manager wrote. “Railroad police. Metro. Sheriff. Code Enforcement. Fire Department. They said it’s not their problem.”

This isn’t some isolated, one-off issue.

According to the most recent Southern Nevada Homeless Census, Clark County has over 6,500 homeless individuals. That means they’re living in tents, cars, or out on the street.

Fires, Drugs, and Vandalism — Right Outside Your Door

While some homeless advocates focus on long-term housing programs and wraparound services, folks in the neighborhoods are stuck dealing with the immediate fallout — broken fences, stolen property, and dangerous confrontations.

The HOA isn’t just frustrated. They’re taking their concerns to the next Clark County Commission meeting next Tuesday.

But they’re not expecting much.

“The laws don’t even let me tow unless I give a 48-hour warning for that exact space,” they explained. “So we never get them towed in time. They just move down the street and come back.”

This is the real-world effect of what some call “compassionate” policies that, in practice, leave law-abiding citizens at risk.

Big Spending, Little Results

Clark County spent over $250 million in state, federal, and local funds on homelessness in the past five years.

But where’s the accountability?

Back in 2023, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that tens of millions had gone toward case management, planning studies, and pilot programs. Yet the number of homeless people actually went up.

Meanwhile, shelters often go underused. Because of free tents, public handouts, and limited enforcement, some homeless simply choose to stay outside.

This is not about blaming people who are down on their luck. It’s about protecting neighborhoods, families, and taxpayers.

Critics Say More Services Are Needed — But What About Safety?

Progressive groups argue that homelessness is mainly a housing affordability issue and say the county should do more to build low-income housing.

But what about the people living next to these camps?

What about residents whose property is getting destroyed?

What about families whose kids can’t play outside?

Even the Fire Department reportedly told the HOA it’s not their issue — unless another fire starts.

This hands-off approach is wearing thin.

Here’s what needs to happen:

—Enforce laws on trespassing, drug use, and vandalism. It shouldn’t take a second fire for first responders to act.

—Streamline towing laws so HOAs and private property owners can reclaim their space.

—Audit how Clark County is spending homelessness funds. Taxpayers deserve to know what’s working — and what isn’t.

—Support programs with proven results, not just good intentions.

Nobody wants to criminalize poverty. But ignoring crime in the name of compassion helps no one — especially the homeless.

It’s time for Clark County to stop passing the buck and start protecting its communities.

Clark County residents concerned about this issue can attend the next County Commission meeting or contact their commissioner directly at ClarkCountyNV.gov.

Kelly Chapman is the executive director of the Nevada Business Alliance, a candidate for Nevada Assembly District 8, and a 46-year resident of Las Vegas. You can reach her at NevadaBizAlliance@gmail.com or (702) 483-0186. You can follow her on Twitter/X here: @Chapman4Nevada.