LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas locals with blindness are facing extra hurdles finding affordable housing in an area where 84,000 units of affordable housing are still lacking. The Blind Center of Nevada is working on a solution, building “Vision Park,” an apartment complex with 100 units designed specifically for those living with blindness. The apartments will have special accommodations such as electronic key fobs, clear walkways, a specialized gym, and an outdoor path to access public transit. Clark County approved $8 million in funding for the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

According to the Blind Center, there are 20,000 locals who live with blindness, and they struggle to live independently, secure employment, or find a safe place to live with disabilities. “The majority of the people that we serve here at the center are living below the extreme poverty level. A lot of people who are blind that live in affordable housing complexes around the Valley don’t have a safe place to go outside,” said President Todd Imholte.

Marco Martinez, who is blind along with his wife, shared his experience of struggling with rising rent and bedbug infestations in his previous apartment. “I think I will feel more comfortable living around people like me who are blind, because it gives you a better environment,” Martinez said.

The Blind Center reports that many adults they help are single and have no other support system. Most are living off their disability check or have a job that pays just enough to survive, but not enough to afford safe housing. “It’s not a Las Vegas thing. It’s not a California thing. This is an American thing. And we all have to come together to help people with disabilities find housing,” said Havander Davis, who works as a receptionist.