NEWS RELEASE: City of Las Vegas Strengthens Community Partnership with Samaritan House
- asalas843
- 50 minutes ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2025
Media Contact:
Amanda C, Salas, PIO
Cell: 505-426-5703
Email:clvpio@lasvegasnm.gov
City of Las Vegas Strengthens Community Partnership with Samaritan House
Las Vegas, NM – Samaritan House, a vital nonprofit supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, is strengthening its collaboration with the City of Las Vegas, local law enforcement, and community stakeholders under the leadership of new Executive Director Michael Drumm, who joined the organization in October 2025. Since assuming leadership, Drumm has focused on creating a welcoming and accountable environment for residents, expanding operations to 24 hours a day to provide continuous access to support and resources. “Residents are starting to watch out for one another, being more proactive in assisting with chores, and helping to maintain the park. This sense of responsibility and family-oriented environment is transformative,” said Drumm.
Drumm has emphasized collaboration with city officials, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community organizations to address residents’ needs in real time. Recently, the City coordinated a joint online meeting to support a homeless veteran, bringing multiple agencies together to help him move toward independence. Drumm provided a tangible solution, and the veteran—who had lived along roadways for several years in all weather conditions—is now thriving. “This is exactly the kind of collaboration we need—everyone working together to find real solutions,” Drumm explained.
Samaritan House has implemented a zero-tolerance drug-use policy while offering comprehensive support to help residents regain independence. This includes assistance with identification, job preparation, employment, transitional housing, and reconnecting with home communities when possible. Residents who do not comply with rules are offered support but may be asked to leave if necessary. Shelter Manager Manuel Mora and Research and Outreach Coordinator Shiela Cavitt-Olguin highlighted the team’s efforts to support residents and strengthen partnerships. Cavitt-Olguin, a recovering addict, shared her personal journey and commitment to serving the community. “We do recover. I had my own challenges, and here I am,” she said.
Cavitt-Olguin also discussed the shelter’s collaboration with Krossroads, a substance abuse and behavioral health organization. Elias Romero, a Certified Peer Support Worker, Case Manager, and Director of the North Eastern Region with seventeen years of professional experience and twenty-three years in recovery, regularly visits the shelter to guide residents. He has strengthened community partnerships, linked individuals to mental health and recovery programs, including suicide prevention efforts.
The shelter’s location near Lincoln Park has long raised concerns from neighbors and local businesses regarding public safety, park usage, and demands on local services. Drumm has emphasized open communication and a proactive approach to addressing these concerns. Samaritan House is working closely with the City’s Community Development Department to align programs with broader city planning and neighborhood improvement initiatives and will soon expand collaboration to include the Fire Department and EMS. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Tom Clayton encouraged continued communication with neighbors and local businesses, noting that engagement is essential. Drumm remains committed to meeting with area residents and businesses and noted that one neighbor works at the facility while another actively serves directly on their board.
Drumm expressed deep appreciation for community support. While blankets, bedding, and food donations are sufficient, essential toiletries—especially toothpaste—are in high demand. “The community has been incredibly generous in providing what we need. Donations of essential items make a real difference in the daily lives of our residents,” Drumm said.
Mayor David Romero, Fourth Judicial District Attorney Tom Clayton, LVPD Chief Caleb Marquez, Deputy Chief Matias Apodaca, and Public Information Officer Amanda Salas toured the shelter this week to observe the changes firsthand. Officials commended Drumm’s rapid implementation of programs, noting that the shelter has become a model of collaboration, accountability, and community impact.
“This is exactly what we, as elected officials, have been working with this nonprofit to achieve,” stated Mayor Romero. “We knew it wasn’t impossible—other communities across the state and country are doing it successfully. Michael said he wanted to shift the direction of the shelter 180 degrees, but in less than two months he has shifted it 360 degrees, going above and beyond for our most vulnerable population. The potential for a strong, stable community is there, and we will do everything in our power to support it.”
Looking ahead, Drumm aims to continue expanding services, exploring new shelter locations, and creating programs that support long-term success. “Samaritan House is a place for anyone in need—single mothers, elderly residents, or individuals struggling to find housing. Our goal is to help people regain independence while strengthening the surrounding community,” he said.
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