Coronavirus won’t stop groups helping Las Vegas homeless over holidays

The holidays may look a little different this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic won’t stop some local organizations from helping the less fortunate.

There are a few spots in Las Vegas where the homeless can pick up cold-weather supplies and enjoy a warm Christmas meal on Thursday and Friday. Among them:

Las Vegas Rescue Mission

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission, 480 W. Bonanza Rd.,will distribute a Christmas meal on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Heather Williams, director of development, said those staying at the mission will be able to eat their meals in the dining hall, but others will get a to-go container with a blanket and a hat knitted by donors.

The meals will include ham, turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and pumpkin pie.

Salvation Army of Southern Nevada

The Salvation Army of Southern Nevada, 35 W. Owens Ave., is hosting a community meal from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday. In past years recipients have been able to gather for the meal, but due to COVID restrictions this year’s meals will be pre-packaged for to-go pickup.

Juan Salinas, the organization’s director of social services, said the meal will consist of a traditional Christmas dinner with ham, mashed potatoes and a vegetable. He said about 400 meals are expected to be distributed.

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, 1501 N. Las Vegas Blvd.,said in a statement that they will distribute 1,000 meals starting at 10 a.m. on Friday. The meal will be served in the organization’s outdoor pavilion with 210 socially distanced seats and tables available for people to enjoy their meal.

The meal will include prime rib with horseradish cream sauce, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, corn maque choux and red velvet cake.

Contact Alexis Ford at aford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0335. Follow @alexisdford on Twitter.