Anchorage Police Department’s HOPE team connects homeless to shelter, services | Homepage [Video]

For Officer Ruth Adolf and behavioral health counselor Tonya Vandanbos, reaching out to the homeless is just another day at the office. Comprised of one officer and one licensed clinician, they are part of the Anchorage Police Department’s HOPE Team—Homeless Outreach Prevention Engagement. The HOPE Team checks on individuals’ well-being, providing snacks, hand warmers, and other essentials when needed.

“We try to connect people to services, to check on them, and to make sure that they have everything that they need. Our main focus is to build trust and relationships with individuals,” shared Ruth Adolf.

Not only do they help people get off the streets and into cold-weather shelters, but they also follow up to ensure they can successfully stay off the streets.

Ruth went on to say, “We want to make sure that we are part of that journey and walk alongside an individual and see it through to …