Today, Nevada Governor Joe Lombard, Treasurer Zach Conine, Finance Committee Chairman Interim Daniel Monroe Moreno and Senate Finance Committee Chair Marilyn Dondero Roop announced that the State of Nevada has finalized funding for a new campus in Southern Nevada that will enhance services for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Nevada ranks #1 in human trafficking. (Source: World Population Review)
Earlier this week, the Nevada Infrastructure Bank’s board of directors approved a $5 million loan to the nonprofit SafeNest for its One Safe Place project in Las Vegas.
“The result of a bipartisan effort across all levels of state government, this project will enable Safe Nest to develop a unique campus to provide legal assistance, case management, temporary supportive housing, child care and medical care to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking,” Governor Lombard’s office said in a press release.
The bipartisan coalition and SafeNest’s CEO released the following statement:
“During my time in law enforcement, I have known SafeNest as a critical partner in providing vital assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking,” said Gov. Joe Lombard. “My office is proud to move this forward with the Interim Finance Committee and the Nevada Infrastructure Bank so we can expand access, resources and care for victims.”
“Nevada currently has the fourth highest rate of interpersonal violence in the nation,” said Treasurer Conine. “This project will provide much-needed services to individuals suffering from domestic and sexual violence on a state-of-the-art campus.”
“I am pleased that the Interim Finance Committee has allocated funds to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking,” said Interim Finance Chair Danielle Monroe Moreno. “This transformative project will provide comprehensive and essential services, help rebuild lives and ensure a safer, stronger and more resilient community in Clark County,” she continued.
“Safenest plays a vital role in supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence,” said Senator Marilyn Dondero Roop, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “I’m proud to see officials from both parties working together to support this organization and do everything in their power to support nonprofits that provide critical services to those who need it most.”
“We are thrilled that this investment from the state will help keep victims safe and end the epidemic of sexual and domestic violence in Clark County and beyond,” said SafeNest CEO Liz Ortenberger. “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lombardo, State Assemblyman Danielle Monroe Moreno, and the state leaders who have worked so hard to make this effort a reality.”
The total cost of the project is expected to be $20 million, and Congress’ Interim Finance Committee last month approved $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to support the project. The remaining funding for the project will be raised privately by SafeNest.
This week’s action by the National Infrastructure Bank is the final round of funding that will allow the project to move forward immediately, with completion planned for 2025.
According to a report by The Globe, Nevada ranks first in the U.S. when it comes to human trafficking.
SB 89, a bipartisan bill signed by Governor Lombard, amended provisions regulating crimes related to sex trafficking. According to the bill, sex traffickers who attempt to solicit children online and respond to police officers posing as minors could face a Class A felony, an automatic life sentence, and a minimum non-parole period of 5 to 15 years. The minimum non-parole period depends on the age of the officers’ online profiles and the age of the sex trafficking victims they are targeting.
To report a case of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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