Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354

Modesto, CA – The Modesto Fire and Police Departments have teamed up to create a pilot program called the Homeless Engagement and Response Team (HEART). One police officer and one firefighter paramedic work together four days a week engaging the homeless community in Modesto. This engagement includes education about available services, the building of trust and a rapport, as well as informing individuals who are ready to seek help. In addition, and as appropriate, this team responds to and handles certain fire and police calls that are likely related to homelessness.

Since the launch of this pilot program in July, the team has seen a handful of success stories of people moving from homelessness into the services they need – whether it be an addiction issue, a criminal history, or just simply being down on their luck and unable to get transportation to their family. The team has earned a reputation for truly being a resource to help those ready and willing to get off the streets for good. Community outreach programs such as Love Modesto, Behavioral Health and Focus on Prevention have been instrumental to the team’s success by providing hygiene kits and their countless hours working with individuals directly.

Modesto residents are caring people who want to help and want to make our community better. In doing so, they provide goods or money to people experiencing homelessness. Unbeknownst to the giver, their generosity may be enabling the person to continue a negative, harmful lifestyle. There are several non-profit organizations in our community designed to help individuals in need. These non-profits provide assistance, food, and shelter. If you would like to help those needing assistance, please consider giving to organizations in our community rather than individuals directly. For more information about non-profit organizations in our community, please visit http://www.preventionfocus.net/general-resources/

Attention Media: The HEART team is only out specified dates and times. If you are interested in pursuing a story, contact Jessica Smart at 209-272-2648 or Heather Graves at 209-652-0514 directly to set up a media day.

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