Majority of calls to New Haven’s crisis line are from homeless residents

By Abigail Barone, Connecticut Public Radio | July 26, 2023

More than half the calls made in the last eight months to a New Haven crisis response line were from people experiencing homelessness.

The Compassionate Allies Serving our Streets program (COMPASS) began last November.  The team, composed of social workers and community members, work with the Elm City’s police and fire departments. They respond to emergency calls involving mental health and substance abuse crises.

The task force has responded to 537 emergency calls since its inception, according to COMPASS monthly reports.

A majority of the calls were from New Haven residents experiencing homelessness, Elm City COMPASS director Jack Tebes said.