Beneath the bright lights of Las Vegas lies a hidden world—over 600 miles of storm drains, tunnels, and culverts that serve as shelter for a growing unhoused community seeking sanctuary. These underground passages offer refuge for those seeking shelter from the scorching desert heat and cold winter nights.
Originally constructed in the 1990s to manage flash floods in the Las Vegas Valley, the tunnels now also serve a different purpose—providing unintended shelter to an estimated 1,500 individuals experiencing homelessness. The number of residents continues to grow as housing costs skyrocket and affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce.
“There’s 600 miles of tunnels in Las Vegas and 1,500 people living in them, but everyone in there is a life—someone worth saving.”
— Robert Banghart, Outreach Director, Shine A Light Foundation
While these communities may provide a sense of connection and survival, they exist under constant strain—fragile and vulnerable to displacement, violence, and deteriorating conditions. They build makeshift shelters from plywood, metal, and bricks and support one another through shared resources and care. Many also live with chronic health conditions, limited access to nutritious food , and little connection to outside support.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, Greater Good Charities partnered with the Banfield Pet Hospital to create 1000 emergency care kits for humans and 1000 emergency care kits for dogs for the Shine A Light Foundation who will distribute to people experiencing homelessness in the tunnels.
Packs are specifically designed to provide practical, compassionate, and urgently needed supplies including items like:
“Community outreach basically consists of volunteers and our staff getting together, taking the care packs into the tunnels. It’s the key to the door… Simple acts of kindness that we don’t necessarily as a society understand how essential to our own mental health.”
— Bret Nowak, Shine A Light
These supply kits are more than items—they are a message of compassion and dignity. They bring relief and a sense of hope to those who have been forgotten or overlooked.
The paths to homelessness are varied, but common causes can include escaping violence, job loss, mental health crises, and addiction. Regardless of how someone became unhoused, the need for support is universal.
Necessities like clean socks, hygiene products, and comfort items can be a first step toward accessing services. But perhaps more importantly, these acts of kindness help restore a sense of humanity, connection, and self-worth.
“I think that as a society we need to understand that everyone is part of our community, whether you’re less fortunate or not.” — Bret Nowak, Shine A Light
Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild. At Greater Good Charities, we believe in supporting vulnerable communities wherever they are—and that includes beneath the streets of Las Vegas.
Thanks to the compassion of our donors and the collaboration of partners like Shine A Light and Banfield Pet Hospital, we’re able to provide comfort to those who need it most.