In response to the need for outreach services to address the increase in homelessness, public display of behavioral health issues, and people in crisis within the City of Lacey, on July 15, 2021, the City Council approved the creation of a Mobile Outreach Team (MOT). The MOT began on August 23, 2021 and works collaboratively with the Police Department’s Community Resources Unit (CRU). The team consists of two crisis clinicians and two peer specialists.
The MOT assess clients at the request of a Lacey police officer. They identify the needs of the individual(s) and provide the necessary resources. Their focus is on the well-being of clients who are experiencing challenges related to community living, homelessness, mental health issues, and those who have an extensive history of utilizing health services, police services, and other community resources. The MOT and LPD utilize a creative and collaborative approach to improve the quality of life for the client and community. The goal is to reduce incidents of mental health crisis, homelessness, criminal behavior, violence, and self-harm.
