In a remarkable example of how public services and community partnerships can transform lives, the RTC’s Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in downtown Las Vegas has become a hub for support and outreach. Home to the Produce and Homeless Connect pop-ups, this location delivered more than 6,800 pounds of fresh produce and served nearly 1,800 individuals with needed resources including meals, legal aid, housing assessments, health services, education programs, and job resources.
These events recently earned the 2024 Outstanding Implementation Award from the Nevada Chapter of the American Planning Association. This prestigious recognition highlights the innovative approach taken to address the needs of the local population through a strategy aimed at “Incentivizing Neighborhood Social Service Centers and Pop-Ups for All People.”
This initiative, part of the 2020 update to the Coordinated Transportation Plan (developed by the RTC’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, or MPO), was created with the input of over 20 service providers, aligning with federal regulations to ensure it met the diverse needs of the community. What began as a simple idea to connect essential services with public transit is now an ongoing success story of collaboration, access, and positive impact.
Addressing the Community’s Needs
The BTC, often seen as a lifeline for individuals traveling across the city, has also become a vital access point for services that support some of Las Vegas' most vulnerable populations. Working in partnership with key local organizations such as the Nevada Homeless Alliance, Southern Nevada Health District, Opportunity Village, Blind Connect, the Southern Nevada Transit Coalition, Prevail Marketplace, and Veggie Buck Truck, the MPO team has hosted a series of pop-up events designed to meet immediate needs and provide valuable resources to the community.
A Testament to the Power of Community Collaboration
The success of the BTC pop-ups is a testament to the value of community collaboration. It's a perfect example of how different organizations—from healthcare to social services to food distribution—can work together to create a more accessible, supportive environment for everyone. And by positioning these services at a public transit hub, it ensures that individuals without transportation options can still access help and resources.
Through the efforts of the MPO, the Nevada Homeless Alliance, and their partners, the BTC has become more than just a transit center—it’s a lifeline for thousands of people in need. These pop-up events showcase what can be accomplished when organizations and government agencies work together to meet the needs of their community.
