Public/Private Partnership Launching Pilot Program to Help Mansfield’s Homeless (Joseph Trolian)

February 3, 2022

A growing concern among the Mansfield downtown businesses has been the increasing number of unhoused individuals. Mansfield traditionally, has done well with helping this population, but that means that people are aware of where to go when looking for help. Commissioner Vero requested a meeting with Executive Director Joseph Trolian of the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and Sharlene Neumann Director of Job and Family Services to explore potential options. Shortly after, a larger group was formed, and Director Trolian suggested helping the homeless in a similar way as they had with the opiate epidemic. A model approach is currently being used to form a mobile response team that can help individuals in need. The Homeless Response Team was formed consisting of a behavioral health professional and a law enforcement officer.

Joe Trolian stated the team will be funded in part by The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board for the behavioral health professional and through a grant from the Richland Foundation to pay for the law enforcement officer. The purpose of the team will be to engage with people and determine their need and then assist them in addressing their concerns. Trolian said that the best way to help someone is to actually ask them what they need rather than to presume.

The Team will run for 4 hours at a time, 3 days per week. They will provide resources, referrals

and immediate access to urgent cares for those in need of immediate behavioral health services.

Read Full Article: Richland Source