When most people think of Las Vegas, they envision the Strip’s dazzling lights or the nonstop energy of a city that never sleeps. Few people know that beneath all that glitz lies a hidden reality—600 miles of flood control tunnels that have become home to more than a thousand people. Recently, MDL’s CEO Hayim Mizrachi and President Jarrad Katz, joined their fellow members of the local SIOR chapter on a guided tour of this underground network, organized by Shine A Light, a nonprofit committed to supporting the individuals who live there.
But this wasn’t just a tour. It was a wake-up call.
As commercial real estate professionals, we often talk about homelessness in terms of its impact on property values, tenant experiences, or urban blight. But this eye-opening tour reminded us that behind every concern is a human being. People end up in the tunnels for many reasons, including addiction, mental illness, trauma, or simply bad luck. Shine A Light meets them where they are, offering compassion, resources, and a path forward.
“We talk about homelessness as a problem to solve, but this experience reminded me that it’s about people first,” Hayim explained. “We can’t address the issue without understanding the humanity behind it.”
For many of MDL’s commercial property owner clients, homelessness is more than a policy issue; it’s a daily reality. But addressing it effectively requires more than security patrols or fencing. It requires empathy, understanding, and action.
By supporting Shine A Light, SIOR is investing in a solution that humanizes the problem. We’re proud to share that, following the tour, our SIOR chapter donated $5,000 and has committed to a year-long partnership with the organization that includes a monthly pallet of water. The pallet of water was a wishlist item of Robert Banghart, VP of Community Integration at Shine A Light. It’s a small gesture that is sure to make a big impact, as hydration is critical in the desert and consistent support can help build trust with those living in the tunnels.
“It’s easy to forget what’s happening just beneath our feet,” Jarrad said. “This tour was a powerful reminder that real estate is about more than buildings; it’s about people, and we have a responsibility to be part of the solution.”
What struck Hayim and Jarrad most during the tour was the effectiveness of the Shine A Light team. As they entered the tunnels a homeless woman approached and asked for a referral to Shade Tree. In that same moment a patrol vehicle rolled up to the woman. It’s technically trespassing entering the tunnels. However, as soon as the police officer saw that the Shine A Light team was there and engaging with the woman, they exchanged some words, and the officer was on his way.
Despite the darkness, both literal and figurative, there was hope. There was also a feeling of community, reminding us that while real estate is about transactions, it’s also about connection.
As we continue to serve our clients and shape the city’s built landscape, we will carry this experience with us, always remembering to take a human approach in managing problems.
Learn more about Shine A Light .
