NewHaven'sCOMPASS crisis response team to expand staff, hours
Jul. 19—Mayor Justin Elicker, Community Resilience Department Director Carlos Sosa-Lombardo, Elm City Compass Director Jack Tebes and other officials will announce the expansion at a 1 p.m. press conference at Kimberly Avenue and Lamberton Street in the Hill section.
Elm City COMPASS has completed nearly 600 crisis responses so far. It complements and supports the work of police, fire and emergency medical services personnel, sending social workers and people with lived experience to 911 calls and via direct outreach to help residents going through mental health, substance use and housing crises and connect them to appropriate services.
COMPASS stands for "Compassionate Allies Serving Our Streets."
During the initial pilot phase from Nov. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, one team was deployed seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During Phase Two, two teams will be deployed in two shifts during expanded hours from 8 a.m. to midnight, officials said.
A case manager also has been added to the team to work with people who need more intensive support following their initial engagement with the team, according to the city. In addition, the city will test direct dispatch of the Elm City COMPASS team by the 911 emergency call center without the police and fire departments.
A third phase of the Elm City COMPASS initiative is scheduled to begin July 1, 2024.
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