Kyle Lane-McKinley
LightNews LightNews
banner
faux-papa.bsky.social
Kyle Lane-McKinley
@faux-papa.bsky.social
57 followers 49 following 26 posts
Posts Replies Media Videos
faux-papa.bsky.social
An appreciation for Portland Street Response:
If you’ve heard of Portland Street Response (PSR), it’s probably in the context of trying to help unhoused folks who are in crisis. They’re not police, and not an ambulance, and show up to help. Like CAHOOTS in Eugene. This morning my buddy Jackie and I were heading out on a ride. It was brutally cold - like 30 degrees and foggy. Out of the fog we hear “Help! Help!” And went to see if we could… help. An older gentleman was clinging to a porch railing, with his legs folded under him. He was shivering and scared. It took a bit but we got him seated and got him to recall his name, and eventually his address. He’s not homeless, but he definitely has some form of dementia. And a big bruise on his head, and he couldn’t stand or walk. I went to his house but couldn’t find anyone there. So we gave in and called 911. The 911 operator didn’t think PSR could do anything and suggested that they send a cop or a fire engine. But maybe 10 min later it was PSR that arrived first. By then we had found the man’s wife and adult son. They were very worried that paramedics would take him to a hospital and that they wouldn’t be able to afford the ambulance costs. But the PSR folks were amazing. They checked his vitals, took in the details, and spoke with his wife about resources for elder care. And then they helped move him down the stairs and back to his house. They were calm, competent, thoughtful, and able to do what worked best for the gentleman and his family. If I’m in crisis ever, that’s who I would want to show up. So although it’s true that PSR is an important resource for unhoused members of our community, and reduces interaction with cops, it’s also an important resource for everyone.
December 3, 2024 at 5:39 AM
faux-papa.bsky.social
November 22, 2024 at 1:21 PM