Building on Alderman McShane's advocacy for outreach to the community, I ask that the City consider intensive outreach to people who are unhoused, and often experiencing SMI and/or SUD. While several agencies and organizations are "welcoming" and, once a person approaches them, provide assistance. However, many people will not and cannot approach the agencies. So, the agencies must reach out to them, to build trust and--gradually--accept assistance available. This requires constant and consistent street outreach--not occasional (even once/day) contact. Thus, teams of knowledgeable, empathetic, sympathetic folks who are/become known to people in need, many--if not most--of whom are unaware of their needs and are equally unaware of available resources.
Building on Alderman McShane's advocacy for outreach to the community, I ask that the City consider intensive outreach to people who are unhoused, and often experiencing SMI and/or SUD. While several agencies and organizations are "welcoming" and, once a person approaches them, provide assistance. However, many people will not and cannot approach the agencies. So, the agencies must reach out to them, to build trust and--gradually--accept assistance available. This requires constant and consistent street outreach--not occasional (even once/day) contact. Thus, teams of knowledgeable, empathetic, sympathetic folks who are/become known to people in need, many--if not most--of whom are unaware of their needs and are equally unaware of available resources.