Real help, not handouts: Vegas Stronger heals Vegas one life at a time

By Lisa Cole 

Nevada News and Views

By now, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Vegas Strong” — but did you know there’s a local group called Vegas Stronger that’s turning those words into action?

As we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Vegas Stronger is doing something special to help folks in our community who are struggling with addiction, mental illness, homelessness, or just plain bad luck.

And thanks to a generous partnership with the Helms Helps Foundation, your donation can go twice as far.

Yep — you read that right. Every dollar you give this month will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. That means $50 becomes $100. $500 becomes $1,000. And if you’ve never donated before, now’s the perfect time to jump in.

“Terry Helms and the team at the Helms Helps Foundation are fantastic,” said Vegas Stronger CEO David Marlon. “We’re excited they’re once again matching donations to help us heal our community, one person at a time.”

What Does Vegas Stronger Do?

Let’s keep it simple: Vegas Stronger helps people get back on their feet.

We’re talking about real-life stuff — therapy for veterans and first responders, meals for the homeless, transportation to job interviews, help finding shelter, and even basic needs like clothing and hygiene supplies.

They hand out what they call “Golden Tickets” to people who need immediate help, pointing them toward services and support that can change their lives.

It’s not a government handout. It’s a hand-up, not a handout. And that’s something conservatives can appreciate.

Take Rob Kennedy, for example.

He shared his story at a recent press conference. After years of addiction and life on the street, he found Vegas Stronger. With support and treatment, Rob turned his life around — and now he’s helping others do the same.

This is the kind of success story that makes you proud to be part of a community that takes care of its own.

Why This Matters

Government programs are often bloated, slow, and wasteful. They throw billions at problems and rarely get results. But Vegas Stronger is different. It’s local, lean, and effective. It runs on community support, not taxpayer dollars.

This is what conservative solutions look like — private charity, personal responsibility, and neighbors helping neighbors.

“We believe in healing Las Vegas by helping the most vulnerable find dignity and direction,” Marlon explained. “And we can’t do that without help from people like you.”

Every donation, big or small, helps provide real help to real people. And this month, your gift will go twice as far.

What Critics Say

Some critics argue that these kinds of services should come from the government. But let’s be honest — the government’s track record isn’t exactly inspiring. They spend more time pushing paperwork than producing results.

Groups like Vegas Stronger prove that private efforts can make a real difference, often faster and better than government programs.

Plus, when donors get involved, they have skin in the game. They care more. They watch where their money goes. That’s accountability — something we could use a lot more of these days.

How You Can Help

If you’re someone who believes in limited government and strong communities, here’s a chance to live out those values.

You can donate online right now, and during the month of May, your donation will be doubled thanks to the Helms Helps Foundation.

If you’ve never donated to Vegas Stronger before, now’s your moment. If you have, consider giving again — or better yet, invite a friend or coworker to chip in.

Just imagine how many people we could help if every person reading this gave just a little.

And don’t forget to check out Rob Kennedy’s video. His story might just move you to act.

Final Thought

Las Vegas is more than casinos and bright lights. It’s a city filled with people who care. Vegas Stronger is living proof of that. With your help — and the Helms Helps Foundation’s generous match — we can continue healing this city, one person at a time.

So let’s do this. Let’s be Vegas Stronger.

Donate now at VegasStronger.org

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Lisa. Cole is a Republican member of the Nevada State Assembly, representing District 4 in the northwestern Las Vegas.