New Podcast: Beyond City Hall <<Listen>>
Many cities are struggling to support their growing homeless population. Our City of San Mateo in California launched an innovative program that fills gaps between services and is successfully moving homeless folks into support services and housing. This cost-effective model is helping to reduce calls for service and officer involvement in homeless calls.
San Mateo created two civilian positions within the Police Department. The purpose of the Homeless Outreach Team is to build trust with community members, and provide case management and referrals. They work in the Police Department, but do not take enforcement action, or share information for enforcement or investigation purposes, or force clients to accept services. This compassionate service model is leading new conversations about public safety and the role of police and local government in addressing the homeless crisis.
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