When to fill out an outreach request?
Did you see someone experiencing homelessness who needs help? Fill out an outreach request and include any specific concerns you may have regarding the person’s well-being. Due to outreach capacity, priority for requests for individuals deemed to have more serious medical and/or mental health needs will be prioritized. Outreach teams focus on street-based services.
When NOT to fill out an outreach request?
If you are concerned about illegal activity, contact SMPD. Call or text 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger. For criminal concerns that are non-emergency please call the non-emergency policy number: 310-458-8491.
How long does it take a team to respond?
Due to high demand, it may take a few days for an outreach team to be deployed to a specific request, individuals who are most vulnerable are prioritized.
Can I get an update on what happened?
If you provide your email address, we will let you know we received your request and when it was fulfilled. We are required by law to protect the privacy of those we serve, therefore we are unable to share specific updates.
What about someone living in their car?
The C3 Outreach Team conducts outreach to people living in their car. Please submit a 3-1-1 request.
What are outreach workers hours?
Most City funded outreach teams work during daylight hours which allows outreach workers to connect individuals to resources which are generally open during business hours, such as health services, job training programs, the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Public Social Services. There is currently one City funded outreach team which conducts outreach in the downtown area and Palisades, Reed, and Tongva during evenings and weekends.
How long does it take to help someone?
Some people may require significant time to build trust. Others may be more readily open to help. Without adequate housing options, the process to move people indoors is slower than we would like. Through the investments of Measure GS, there will be an increase in permanent housing over time. The commitment of our outreach teams, combined with expanded housing opportunities, will make a difference in reducing street homelessness.
What do outreach workers do?
Outreach workers have many different skills including homeless services navigation, mental health first aid, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed care. The City contracts with the Department of Health Services to fund a C3 (City + County + Community) Outreach Team which is staffed by a physical health, mental health and substance use professional from The People Concern. Outreach teams work starts with building a trusting relationship with individuals and determining their needs. Their efforts can be as simple as helping someone get an ID card or as complex as helping meet medical and mental health needs.
What is the ultimate goal of outreach services?
To help people who are homeless move from the streets into a permanent home with the appropriate services and supports to ensure housing stability.
How else can I help my unhoused neighbors?
Volunteering and donating to organizations that support people experiencing homelessness is a great way to help. Please click here for further information on volunteering and/or donating to efforts to address homelessness.