TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on various Mobile Crisis Intervention Service Models designed to address homelessness, mental health, 911 and non-emergency medical calls.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach has had proactive discussions on how to provide services to all those in our community that need them and ensure the appropriate departments are responding. In 2016, the City of Long Beach created the Homeless Engagement Response Team (HEART) and added an additional unit in 2018. The City has had Quality of Life Police Officers for many years. At times, City departments such as Health, Police and Fire have worked succinctly in the best interest of our residents.
Currently, the City is exploring new models of service like housing the HEART team with the Health Department. The Homeless Engagement Response Team (HEART), quality of life officers, public nurses and partners with LA County’s MET are proposed to shift officers to lower level 911 calls.
While this model might service those struggling with homelessness, there are other areas of need such as suicide prevention, mental health support, anxiety, and housing whether that is retaining or searching for housing. It is critical the City further explores outcomes of community services.
There are examples of mobile crisis hotlines outside of Long Beach. For example, Eugene, Oregon has Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets (CAHOOTS), the City of Orange has the Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), as well as many other models of mobile mental health, housing, and homeless services.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT