Sweet Home Police Donates Vehicle to Street Outreach Response Team

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SWEET HOME, Ore. April 10, 2020 — On Thursday, April 9, 2020, the City of Sweet Home's Police Department donated their former Incident Command vehicle to Family Assistance and Resource Center Group (FAC) for their Linn County Street Outreach Response Team (SORT) to use as a mobile unit. SORT is a collaborative group of volunteers from the community and various organizations, working together to provide outreach services to people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Services are offered in a trauma-informed way, using harm reduction and housing first principles. This mobile unit will allow the team to meet a wider area of needs, in less time with Linn County services, education, and resources.

These past few months, Chief Jeff Lynn has worked closely with the SORT volunteers to bring assistance to our local homeless population. During that time, he saw how the out-of-service Incident Command vehicle could make a significant impact on the team's ability to reach those they serve effectively.  

The 1992 Ford 350 formerly served as an ambulance for the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District. In 2005 the Sweet Home Police Department purchased and converted it to a unit which assisted with evidence collection at drug enforcement scenes. Chief Lynn stated, "Since that time, operation methods have evolved to where we were using the vehicle less and less." Donating this vehicle to an organization passionate about serving our most vulnerable is a win-win for all of us. 

FAC Founder and Executive Director, Shirley Byrd, was thrilled to receive this donation. She shared the immediate use "will help the COVID crisis by prevention, (and) a mobile unit where people can check-in and get follow up." Long term this vehicle will allow members to distribute survival essentials, access to healthcare partners, education in harm reduction, access to community partner services, and programs. 

If you would like volunteer opportunity information, visit Family Assistance and Resource Center Group's website. 

 

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For Additional Information Contact:
Sweet Home Police Department
541-367-5181
shpd@sweethomeor.gov

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

New Street Outreach Response Team Mobile Unit
Chief Lynn passing the keys to Shirley Byrd
Signing the title
Interior of Mobile Unit
Interior of Mobile Unit