COLUMN: Hats off to Mullin's Nevada Hand

A handshake is a legally binding contract in Nevada.

That's why it's apropos that Mike Mullin's nonprofit agency to promote affordable housing is called Nevada Hand. The company was founded in 1993 to find creative solutions to the housing needs of low- and moderate-income Nevadans.

Since receiving its nonprofit status in February 1995, Nevada Hand has completed 676 affordable housing units with another 748 units under construction. It has been awarded more than $7.2 million in grants and has developed more than 1,400 units at a cost of more than $115 million.

Mullin said the Nevada Hand mission goes beyond "bricks and mortar." During a recent tour, he proudly pointed out the community facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Country Ridge Villas, a for-sale townhome development in West Las Vegas, offers an on-site latchkey center that provides free structured daily activities for about 25 resident children. Summer activities include arts, crafts, board games, basketball, team games and swimming lessons. During the nine-month school season, tutoring, homework assistance and computer training are provided by Foster Grandparents, local citizens, volunteer homeowners and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Talent Search.

The center also provides meals for children under federal nutrition programs.

Mullin plans on bringing a similar program to all the family-oriented rental developments under his umbrella. He believes the investment in Nevada Hand's townhomes and residential communities is an investment in the larger community.

The nonprofit has built and is in the process of building senior housing throughout the valley. The two- and three-story buildings are geared to households earning no more than 40 percent of the area median income.

Each of these senior projects will have programs coordinating social services and activities such as a nutrition program of free or low-cost breakfast and lunch; respite care providers to allow caregivers a break; transportation to doctor visits; and trips to malls or supermarkets. Social programs include health seminars, computer training, dancing, parties and tours.

Mullin pointed out that Stewart Pines, a senior rental community of 72 apartments, won an award in a national competition for excellence in senior housing.

He is justifiably proud of the beautiful three-story facility on East Stewart Avenue, which is set up so residents have the privacy of home, yet the opportunity to socialize with their neighbors in a secure setting.

It was clear that Stewart Pines holds a special place in Mullin's heart. He is replicating it elsewhere.

As we were driving around town, he pointed out parcels that probably wouldn't be usable for a for-profit developer and told me he's had his eye on them.

It's obvious the builder's heart is in his work. He gets excited when talking about the great work done by his staff and construction crews. He's quick to give credit when a subcontractor has done a particularly great job or has joined in the effort to help provide the social services he considers so important to residents of all his buildings.

Carmel Hopkins, Real Estate Product Manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, can be reached at 380-4574. Her e-mail address is Carmel_Hopkins@ lasvegasnewspapers.com. Snail mail is P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.

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