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.
Trauma-Informed
Featured in: Featured, Section 2: Using Space Hacks
The term “trauma-informed” emerges from a growing understanding of the far reaching ways that trauma impacts health and well-being. Trauma is defined here, in keeping with the scientific literature, as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience(s) that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, and significantly impacts their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Hacks for Non-Verbal Active Listening
Featured in: Featured, De-Escalation In the Moment
When someone is agitated or in distress, how we carry ourselves can make a huge difference. Non-verbal cues—like posture, breathing, and personal space—can either calm a situation or escalate it further. The following tips offer guidance on using body language to reduce tension, show respect, and create a safer, more grounded interaction.