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FAQ

This section is to address some of the frequently asked questions we get. 

It is a work in progress which we will continue to add to.

How are donations spent? 
 
Individual members of the Holy Smoke crew spend money on the mission, out of pocket, every week. We work full-time jobs and are not paid by the charity. We do not use donations to pay for gas, or any expenses related to volunteer efforts. Many essential materials such as water and ice, are usually paid for by volunteers.Donated funds are spent on materials when we can shop for the best price, in bulk. Such materials include batteries, flashlights, socks, baby wipes, hand-warmers, and other such provisions. Storage of these materials is provided for free by a former tunnel resident, whom now lives comfortably inside.Holy Smoke Misfit Missionaries receives no government funding. In fact, as with any 501c3 charity, your donations are tax-deductible.Do people leave the tunnels?All the time, just not as fast as people enter them. A recent PIT count by HUD revealed a 16% increase in homelessness in southern Nevada.  This outpaces the national increase of 11%.Those who reside in tunnels, as opposed to parks or other areas, have a great advantage because these tend to be more stable and secure communities. They are safer from robbery and assault, except when it comes to police, who utilize civil forfeiture to confiscate any cash or valuables belonging to a homeless person. Police actions often deprive residents of ID and other documents essential to getting back inside. This is why Holy Smoke Misfit Missionaries makes it a priority to assist with IDs and mail.Some people leave by entering rehab. Over the years, Holy Smoke has referred many former tunnel residents to Crossroads, with great success. They come highly recommended by folks who have been through multiple programs, and we’ve witnessed their results. When asked, Holy Smoke gives a referral so there is no wait, provides transportation, and when possible, take them out to a meal at a restaurant before checking in.Some people leave by reconnecting with family. Providing mail helps with this, and ID gets them a free phone. Keeping them connected to the world is all some need to rejoin it.Sometimes we can congratulate ourselves with a success that is uniquely Holy Smoke. There is, however, no way of quantifying the mass effect of uplifting a community. Those we help, help each other, so they can get better and move on.Whatever the case, people leave when they are ready. Holy Smoke simply gives them some basic tools to make it happen. It can even be a bit saddening to lose a friend in the tunnels, to them returning inside. Some stay in touch, and it is not uncommon for them to give back and help others.
 

What’s with all the weed?

Holy Smoke was founded by local comedians, who brought their talents into the tunnel, to not only uplift residents but also to have a fun time (tunnels are cool). These efforts expanded into providing food, supplies, and other forms of assistance. As cannabis enthusiasts, they saw the devil’s lettuce as medicinal and promoting good social experiences.

Unfortunately, cancer patients are not uncommon in the tunnels. For them, marijuana can be an essential medicine. Other tunnel residents benefit from increased appetite, especially when we arrive with good food. While these realities are recognized, it’s really just smoking weed with friends. Only about half the crew smokes weed. It’s not a main focus. 

We are sponsored by the Nevada Chamber Of Cannabis and The Source dispensary. 

No charity funds are used to purchase cannabis.


Are the tunnels dangerous?

Living in the tunnels is dangerous, yes.

Flash floods are a primary concern. People also die of heat, struggle with cold, face sanitation challenges, and experience violence from strange people who like to victimize homeless people. They are also targeted by cults pretending to be charities, and YouTubers with bad intent (pranksters, exploiters, etc.) For these and other reasons, it is a very guarded and vigilant community, but the residents are not more prone to violence than any other community. In fact, much of the violence in our society happens behind closed doors… and they don’t have doors.

In terms of visiting, it’s as safe as any other community, but again… they don’t have doors. It is never safe to just walk into someone’s home uninvited. Without clear barriers marking where their homes begin, wandering around is not wise. It is no more a territory for people to go exploring, than your living room is. If you come invited and are respectful, it’s fine.

There are some tunnels that do not welcome any visitors under any circumstances, and we fully respect that. However, being known in the community, Holy Smoke has assisted people in those those tunnels as well, when those residents reach out.


Are they all on drugs and crazy?

All tunnels and encampments are different. Some are sober. Some may be dominated by drug use, but even then extreme drug use is segregated, as it is in the rest of society.

Visible health problems are extremely common. Mental health issues seem common as well, but have you seen facebook? The stresses of the environment are unhealthy for anyone, but this also necessitates kindness, civility, and etiquette. Some residents are well-read and intellectual. Many are artists and musicians. One does encounter stories of tragedy, of loss and trauma, and it is tempting to understand such things as causing homelessness, but if a child dies and their mother winds up on the streets, there are other problems.

Clark County spends close to $80k a year per homeless person. For a fraction of that, all people could be housed, and even become taxpayers themselves. Homelessness is indeed a result of insanity, just not in the individual sense.


Are tunnel residents open to interviews? Media appearances?

Many are. Some residents enjoy talking to cameras, being heard. We’ve even some success stories of media appearances leading to getting people back inside. However, they get a lot of media requests. Advanced notice is often required (people want to look their best). Some require payment.

We are glad to act as liaisons. For documentaries, we ask a donation for us to facilitate such meetings. We make no such financial requests of journalists and academics. Anyone wishing to work with Holy Smoke must abide by our protocols, to ensure the dignity and well-being of our friends in the tunnels.


How can I help?

You can donate to Holy Smoke Misfit Missionaries here. You can also donate supplies to be distributed to our friends who live in the tunnels. Our primary requests are batteries, bottled water for the heat, socks, clothing, and sanitation materials. We encourage people to volunteer not just with our charity, but any charity that works to help get homeless people back inside. We recommend checking out Shine A Light, The Promise, and UNI Cares Project.