2019
RIGHT RESPONDER
In 2019, FCI (formerly USC D-Health) launched the Right Responder initiative with coalition partners (Milken Institute, City of Santa Monica, & Akido) to address homelessness. This program aimed to divert homelessness-related calls from first responders to social workers, ensuring coordinated care between government agencies. By sharing real-time data among police, fire, and human services, case managers maintained better contact with clients, and first responders effectively redirected unhoused individuals to social workers.
Impact
The Right Responder pilot demonstrated a 33% reduction in encounters with law enforcement and emergency medical services and a 37% decrease in arrests. This initiative showcased the effectiveness of diversion programs and the value of inter-agency data sharing in addressing homelessness.