Space Management—Mobile Services Specific
Hacks for Outreach On-Foot/Backpack
Posted in Space Management—Mobile Services Specific.
Street outreach is one of the most direct and personal ways to connect with people who might not otherwise engage with services. Often done on foot and out of backpacks, this work requires careful preparation, deep respect for people’s space, and a strong sense of safety and teamwork.
- A convenient way to pack supplies is in pre-made kits that contain a set number of syringes or pipes and sufficient supplies for safer use.
- Limit the number of sizes of syringes you carry to two or three.
- Make sure the bags and/or vehicles are packed leaving enough time for transiting to your locations.
- Create and maintain internal area maps of participant locations.
- Outreach exchange should always be treated respectfully and as if it is a form of home delivery. This means that campsites and other temporary housing is treated as if it is a private residence. Harm reduction workers should always ask for consent to enter, especially the first time that they appear in an area.
- Because supplies are limited, make sure to manage supplies and participants’ expectations carefully.
- Only do outreach in pairs or triads and never leave each other’s line of sight.
- Think about using a wagon or rovers, like those sold by the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance, to increase the quantity of supplies you’re able to haul.
Featured Hacks
These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive.
Hacks for Service and Supply Management
Featured in: Featured, Hacks for Preventing Escalation
Many of the harm reduction leaders that were interviewed for Space Hacks talked about how critical it is to effectively manage services, supplies, and inventory in order to maintain community tranquility. It may not feel intuitive, but OGs report that ineffective management of supplies is the number one potential flashpoint for escalated situations during harm reduction services.
Hacks for Community Member Agreements
Featured in: Featured, Hacks for Preventing Escalation
Community member agreements are shared agreements regarding behavior expected of everyone who participates in a harm reduction site or service. The primary rule all harm reduction leaders talked about was the need to treat everyone with respect.