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Pasadena's PORT: Compassion on the Streets
6 Oct
Summary
- Specialized team aids unhoused individuals with housing and medical services.
- PORT team has housed nearly 100 people since 2023.
- Over half of 6,200 contacts diverted from 911 calls.
Pasadena employs a specialized street-based mobile unit, the PORT team, comprising firefighters and a nurse. This unique crew focuses on building trust with unhoused individuals, offering them connections to housing, medical care, and mental health services.
Nurse Patty Nogueda and firefighter Chris Figueroa are among the team members who regularly interact with those experiencing homelessness. Firefighter Tony Zee, also part of the six-person team, has been instrumental in helping individuals secure housing.
Since 2023, the PORT team has successfully housed nearly 100 individuals. This street-level intervention has proven effective, with over half of the 6,200 contacts made since January 2023 being diverted from traditional 911 emergency calls.
The team acknowledges the challenging and sometimes dangerous nature of their work, including dealing with threats. However, they remain committed to their mission, finding reward in fostering trust and helping community members transition off the streets.
