The Cycle of Violence and Homelessness: How do We Break It?

Today’s Brief:

• San Francisco Mayor Launches New Initiative (2.5-Minute Read)

• Philadelphia's Mobile Crisis Response System (2-Minute Read)

• Great Barrington’s Co-Responder Program (4-Minute Read)

• Bonus Brief! (1.5-Minute Read)

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie introduced the "Breaking the Cycle" initiative to address homelessness, mental health, and drug addiction in the city. The initiative aims to increase shelter capacity, streamline the process of transitioning people from the streets to permanent housing, and reform city policies and services. It also includes plans to enhance partnerships with nonprofits, secure state and federal funding for homelessness services, and improve decision-making through data and technology. Mayor Lurie emphasized the importance of caring for vulnerable residents and delivering outcomes that provide stability for those experiencing homelessness. The initiative comes in response to ongoing challenges, including high overdose rates and a significant homeless population in San Francisco.

Philadelphia's mobile crisis response system has shown progress in stabilizing individuals in the community, with most cases resolved on the scene and a reduction in involuntary commitments. However, challenges remain, including the need to reduce response times from 50 to 30 minutes. High turnover among frontline staff and potential contract issues with a major response team provider are ongoing concerns. The city's crisis intervention approach was initiated after a tragic incident involving Walter Wallace. Philadelphia offers a 988 crisis line, 24/7 mobile response teams, and various programs and services to address mental health crises.

Join the Community

Social worker Julie Rivers joins the Great Barrington Police Department as a full-time clinical co-responder, riding with officers to assist in mental health, substance use, and homelessness situations. Her focus is on avoiding arrests and hospitalizations, keeping interactions voluntary. The program is funded by community impact fees from cannabis shops. Rivers, a licensed clinician with CSO, provides follow-up care and participates in officer debriefings. Her goal is to establish connections with individuals in crisis and provide the necessary support. The co-responder program aims to address the increasing mental and behavioral health issues in police calls, emphasizing social work and collaborative efforts between law enforcement and mental health professionals.

Gatineau Police receive $732,700 in funding for homelessness and mental health initiatives

Gatineau Police receive financial boost to enhance services for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues through the Program to Support Concerted Police Practices in Homelessness and Mental Health.