Wellness Check-ins

1. Locate Encampments - We identify locations with visible signs of unhoused individuals or encampments, whether it's a single person or a group.
2. Make Direct Contact - We engage individuals with compassion and respect, offering survival gear appropriate to current weather and environmental conditions.
3. Assess Urgent Needs - During outreach, we remain alert for signs of severe mental illness, suicidal ideation, or potentially life-threatening substance use. Our goal is not to judge but to recognize when someone may be in crisis.
4. Document & Follow Up - We document our interactions and observations to track wellness over time. Through regular check-ins, we build trust and maintain continuity of assistance.
5. Make Referrals - We maintain a regularly updated list of community resources to help address each person's immediate needs — including shelter, mental health support, medical care, and recovery services — and make referrals when appropriate.

1. We begin by locating and engaging individuals who show signs of high vulnerability:
   • Severe mental illness or emotional distress
   • Active substance use or overdose risk
   • Isolation or loss of contact with support systems
   • Physical illness or injury
2. We document locations, observable needs, and name (if offered)
3. We ask for permission to return and check in

1. We maintain a confidential tracking log with the following fields:
   • First Name/Nickname or Identifier
   • Location(s)
   • Notable Needs/Concerns
   • Date of First Contact
   • Outreach Volunteer Name
   • Consent for Follow-Up (verbal)
2. We use this log to prioritize high-risk individuals for frequent visits

1. We prioritize check-in frequency as:
   • High Risk: Every 2-3 days (mental health crisis, overdose history, unsafe conditions)
   • Moderate Risk: Weekly
   • Low Risk: Biweekly or as needed
2. We note changes in:
   • Mental or physical health
   • Behavior or appearance
   • Location or camp condition
3. When appropriate, we offer referral services that may include transportation.

During each visit we:

1. Ask basic wellness questions:
   • "How are you doing today?"
   • "Have you had what you need to stay warm/safe/healthy?"
   • "Any needs or concerns?"
2. We offer new or restocked supplies (if needed)
3. We note changes in:
• Mental or physical health
• Behavior or appearance
• Location or camp condition

Trust takes time, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma, instability, or systemic barriers. Building strong, consistent relationships is at the heart of effective outreach. By showing up regularly, celebrating small steps forward, and offering assitance without conditions or judgment, we create a foundation of trust that supports long-term engagement and improved well-being.

• We bring consistency by keeping the same outreach volunteer(s) in contact when possible
• We celebrate small wins (e.g., attending an appointment, accepting a referral)
• We continue offering support without requiring change in return
• We maintain a nonjudgmental tone at every visit

If the individual is housed, connected to long-term assistance, or requests no further visits:

• We document the closure or transition
• We provide final contact info or hand-off to a partner organization or agency