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Rival Gaza protest groups clash at UCLA; IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot-dragging; classes help NY psychologists understand disabled people's mental health; NH businesses, educators: anti-LGBTQ bills hurting kids, economy.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

World Habitat Day: HUD to Recognize Efforts in Vegas Heights

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Monday, October 4, 2010   

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Today is World Habitat Day. This year, a Las Vegas neighborhood is getting attention, along with reinforcing the message of the day: "Better Cities, Better Life."

Just two years ago, Guy Amato, president and CEO of Las Vegas Habitat for Humanity, says the Vegas Heights neighborhood was battling a major gang problem and vacant lots were on the rise. Today, his group will be honored by HUD officials for their efforts to help turn the neighborhood around.

"It has been a benefit to those people in that community who live there. We're bringing working families into the neighborhood. It has made an impact on the crime rate. They had a gang issue in there; two years ago there was a shooting every weekend in that neighborhood."

Amato says there are still too many vacant lots in Vegas Heights. Habitat for Humanity has purchased nine of those lots and is working with Las Vegas families and local volunteers who are helping build affordable houses on those lots. Some of those families will have the chance to purchase those homes with no-interest loans.

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, says the organization's model of offering a hand up, rather than a handout, builds responsible home-ownership.

"Having these successful families in communities ends up helping communities, as well. Having home-ownership and successful partner families has been an important part of the revitalization of communities, and that's our big theme for this year."

HUD has invited the mayor and other state and city officials to tour Vegas Heights this morning by bus and vote on the best Vegas Heights Home.





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