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. Some general tips for all service and supply management are to:

• ALWAYS be scrupulously fair with your distribution of supplies. There is nothing more likely to cause conflict than your participants feeling like they’ve been treated unfairly.
• Be consistent in how supplies are distributed and managed across team members and locations.
• If applicable, have folks form lines and find ways to ensure that it is respected.
• Ensure cross-team communication and that everyone is committed to the same policies and expectations.
• NEVER make exceptions to boundaries without transparent, explicable parameters.
• Be a steady regular presence in the community—show up, and if you can’t, communicate why.
• Be transparent about your services and supplies—what is available and what isn’t.
• Explain yourselves—let participants know why you provide certain supplies, services or services a certain way. People are always more likely to follow rules or expectations if they understand why it is important.