James Walker of Las Vegas addresses an Assembly committee Monday in Carson City. Walker, a father of a 9-year-old girl, testified about the help he received from social service agencies to break his drug addiction and get off the streets. Photo by The Associated Press

CARSON CITY -- A one-time homeless Las Vegas father described Monday to legislators how he turned his life around and now is a productive citizen raising a 9-year-old daughter.

"I was a drug addict," James Walker told members of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee. "I hustled on the street. I made the decision to clean up."

Walker said he could not have made his transformation without help from social service agencies. He joined a line of witnesses who asked legislators to approve Assembly Bill 126, which would appropriate $20 million for housing for homeless.

Health and Human Services Chairwoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, introduced the bill during the Assembly's Monday morning session as part of Homeless Awareness Day at the Legislature.

Several legislators, including Leslie, spent Sunday night sleeping with 200 others in sub-freezing temperatures in a "Tent City" outside the Legislature Building as a way to draw attention to the homeless.

Gov. Jim Gibbons did not include any money for the homeless in his proposed $6.8 billion budget. Two years ago, legislators allocated $9 million for homeless housing.

Walker said his daughter, Amy, had perfect school attendance although most of her life had been spent as a homeless child.

"I have managed to create a stable home environment for my daughter," he said. "She is on the honor roll. I have this bumper sticker to put on the car when we get it someday."

Leslie said the $20 million will save lives, protect children and will be a lot less expensive than putting the homeless in jail.

"I have literally seen people come out of jail, get help and live stable lives," said Leslie, who has worked for a mental health program with the Washoe County District Court.

Witnesses said 16,000 people in Nevada were considered homeless in a 2005 survey, but Leslie said the number now is more than 19,000. A current homeless count is under way.

Michael Stoops, director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, said studies show that homeless people who receive transitional housing and help for drug addiction and other problems go on to live productive lives. He said 61 percent of single people receiving such help make a successful reentry into productive lifestyles.

"We know what works," Stoops said.

Stoops said homelessness in America is caused by the lack of affordable housing, lack of universal health care, poor paying jobs and domestic violence.

"It is increasing no matter who is in the White House," he added.