The Bright Side: Diakonia’s Rapid Response, and Mobile Outreach Team
OCEAN CITY, Md. – While many of us here on the shore are familiar with Diakonia, an organization dedicated to helping the un-housed, and underserved community, the needs of the community continue to grow. In order to meet those needs, they’ve created a Rapid Response Team, and a Mobile Outreach team to better find those who need their help the most.
Un-housed community members in Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset are seeing some new boots on the ground with the formation of Diakonia’s Rapid Response Team and Mobile Outreach Team. “So we just kind of all come together with a common goal, we just meet the needs of the person, we meet the people where they’re at,” says Stephanie VanGasbeck, Program Coordinator for both teams. Her colleague and outreach specialist with the Mobile Team, Rick Hamilton goes on to explain, “They fall through the cracks and services because they can’t get in a vehicle and drive. I think we can counter their transportation issues by just coming to them directly.”
The team, which is comprised of multiple organizations including Diakonia, Homes4Hope, Worcester Goes Purple, and the Atlantic Club, goes out in the community to respond to calls from local law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, health departments, and other referring agencies. “You need socks? Here you go, you need some backpacks, here you go. You need feminine products, it’s right here. We have it all in our van, we are mobile and we bring everything to them,” says VanGasbeck.
The Rapid Response Team takes calls in Worcester, while the Mobile Outreach Team answers to all three lower shore counties. The teams work closely in hopes of not just providing resources in the community, but also helping the under-served find a more successful path. “When we’re able to change someone’s circumstances, it does something for us. I know how important it is to have that chance at life, and do better and be better, and if you know better you can do better,” says Deandre Briddell, a certified peer recovery specialist with Homes4Hope.
Homes4Hope is an organization providing residential treatment and outpatient therapy for those in the community. Partnering up with these teams allows Diakonia to expand their reach. “If anybody has ever been locked up in Wicomico County, have kids, have a mental health or substance abuse disorder, I can help them with various resources.”
As we’re told by those in the organization, by becoming mobile with the help of a grant, what they can help the community with – grows. Whether providing narcan training, assessing newly unhoused individuals, offering peer support and re-entry services, and much more. “We’re going to be the shoulder to lean on, to cry on. They’ll call us when they’re upset, they’ll call us with happy news,” VanGasbeck explains.
Members from both teams say that learning these underserved and unhoused individuals’ stories are what drive their mission, which is also breaking the stigma. “A lot of times they just need one or two situations where they can progress, and if we can help them do that, then I’m glad to just play a small role in that,” adds Hamilton.
Officials say all of this work in turn assists Diakonia in widening their network of help. “The goal is to be able to help them get to the next phase of their life. But I’m also realistic to know that there’s always going to be a need there,” says Hamilton. Briddell adds, “So being able to come out and help people, it warms my heart that I’m able to be there for somebody and make sure they get what they need and they’re not overlooked.”
Diakonia, along with both teams, are always in need of donations, whether monetary or physical products, i.e, hygiene products, book bags, blankets, socks, or even water.
To donate or find out more about how the teams can help, just call 443-953-5062.
