Alexis Moyer is the Lansdale Police Department mental health co-responder. (Credit: LPD)
Moyer describes working with Lansdale’s homeless.
Part two in a weekly series of Good Work and Good News features about positive change makers in the North Penn area. Featured is Alexis Moyer, mental health co-responder for the Lansdale police department.
Alexis, would you briefly explain what your job is as the Lansdale Police Department Mental Health Co-Responder?
When police departments in the state found their ability to de-escalate emergency calls improved by having a Mental Health Co- Responder with them, LPD partnered with Merekey BH and I was hired to help. My job is multi-layered. I use my years of experience as a case worker to develop relationships and build trust with people in crisis. Eventually they may be willing to take steps towards starting rehabilitation, seeing a therapist, or applying for a job. I show up consistently and follow through. I keep a log to document what is being done and where I refer people. I provide an update of these activities to the Chief of Police.
What is most satisfying in your work as the LPD’s Mental Health Co-Responder?
Knowing I was able to help someone succeed! I hold hope in my heart for each one of them, even when they have no hope. I have found that many of the individuals who have nothing are the most giving and appreciative people!
Is anything unsatisfying?
Success rates would be higher if more money for services were available. Approximately half of the unhoused and food insecure individuals have temporary but fixable problems such as losing their jobs, experiencing ad excessive medical bills, rent increases, or a divorce or death of family members. Some are victims of sexual abuse, or domestic violence. Many in need do not have support networks. They often have a history of being let down by others and by support services. No one wants the unhoused in their community, but they also don’t want a homeless shelter. We need solutions to deal with this growing issue in our community.
Are there organizations you consider as your partners?
Yes, we have partners from governmental to private and non-profit organizations. Aging and Adult Services, Laurel House, Manna on Main Street, Lansdale Police Department, Merakey BH, Mobile Crisis Center, and VNA to name a few. Private citizen volunteers and churches are valuable partners. The regular meetings we hold with these services is an effective way to connect people with the resources they need.
Tell us some things a community member could give to help.
Handwarmers during Code Blue (cold temperatures).
Gift cards to local places like Wawa, bus passes, and transportation tokens are valued.
Eye contact and “hello” when you pass an unhoused person.
Support for higher wages for social workers, therapists, nurses as fewer people are going into these fields (low pay, high burnout, under-appreciated)
What resources are invaluable to your work?
The LPD has an outstanding chief and group of officers. Lansdale and the surrounding area have a wonderful support network and many concerned citizens who are compassionate. This is important for success.
How else can the community help the homeless?
Keep an open mind. There are no shelter beds available anywhere in Montgomery County. I work with some unhoused people who have full-time jobs. Some people have criminal backgrounds, and employees don’t want to hire them. Others want to work but are unable to get a photo ID because they can’t produce a birth certificate, and they can’t get a birth certificate without a Social Security number or other needed ID. Landlords want first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit. It’s a complex problem, and compassion as well as resources are needed.
Have you seen any positive growth from the unhoused people you see frequently?
I visit unhoused people several times a week where they live outside or in shelters. Some live in their cars. By doing this, I am a constant force, someone they can depend upon. I have been able to develop relationships and mutual trust. I can assist them to achieve success in general needs such as regular meals and showers, clothes, and healthcare. I connect them with resources to assist in meeting their goals.
How do you measure your successes and failures? Do you have a particular “success story” to share?
There have been many success stories. There are approximately 30-40 transient, unhoused individuals (of all ages) living in multiple outdoor locations in the Lansdale area. The problems are never simple or straightforward. Each person has multi-dimensional needs requiring multiple services. Sometimes, the services are not available in time to help. Every day brings new situations and challenges.
Do you get any push-back?
Some barriers are misconceptions that all homeless people are mentally ill or sick. Many people react with fear and anger. Employers will not hire someone with a record even if the person is rehabilitated. Some businesses will not allow homeless individuals to enter.
How does your work with the homeless people in Lansdale benefit our entire community?
I am a stopgap of sorts. I am an advocate for those who do not have an advocate. Lansdale is fortunate to have a police chief who is trying to assist the entire community and provide adequate, safe living for all. There are community members who are looking for ways to help that benefit us all.
Submitted by North Penn Advocates, a group of local people who want to educate the North Penn Community on chronic issues of hunger, homelessness, and housing, and advocate for tangible solutions. Questions/comments: Send an email to [email protected]. Visit our North Penn Advocates Facebook page. For more information go to: https://montgomery.crimewatchpa.com/lansdalepd/134330/events/lpd-partners-merakey-co-responder-program
