MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAMS AND STREET MEDICINE

The Los Angeles County Department of Health (DHS) Housing for Health Division deploys Multidisciplinary Teams* (MDTs) whose staff have physical health, mental health, substance use, case management, and peer support experience. They serve clients with more complex health and/or behavioral health conditions. DHS also deploys Public Spaces Teams* to the County’s public spaces, such as parks and libraries.

MENTAL HEALTH TEAMS

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Specialist teams provide psychiatric support, outreach, and intensive case management to people experiencing homelessness with serious mental illnesses. They support generalist teams as needed.

HOST TEAMS

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deploys Homeless Outreach Services Teams (LASD HOST) composed of law enforcement officers who work closely with homeless services agencies to increase public safety while preserving the rights and dignity of people experiencing homelessness. 

GENERALIST TEAMS

With Measure H funding, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and its contracted nonprofit service providers deploy different types of street outreach teams that make initial contact and maintain ongoing engagement with people living on the streets. Some specialize in working with certain populations, such as youth or veterans.

Coordinated Entry System* (CES) Teams work to connect people with particularly acute needs to housing and supportive services while Homeless Engagement* (HET) Teams respond to requests made by members of the public through the LA Homeless Outreach Portal or LA-HOP.  Meanwhile, LAHSA Homeless Outreach Services Teams* (HOST) handle outreach at larger encampments and hard-to-reach areas, and work with the Sheriff’s Department’s own HOST team and other cities’ law enforcement agencies.