Summit County Continuum of Care
Things to Know
What to Do When a Resident is Experiencing Homelessness
What to Do When a Resident is Experiencing Homelessness
- Stay Calm and Listen
- Treat the resident with respect and dignity.
- Ask open-ended questions to understand their immediate needs.
- Avoid making assumptions about why they are homeless.
- Identify Immediate Needs
- If immediate danger exists:
Call 911 or appropriate emergency services. - Safety (Are they in danger?)
- Shelter (Do they have a safe place to stay tonight?)
- Food, water, or medical needs
- Connect to Resources
- If someone identifies as Homeless have them call the Homeless Hotline at (330) 615-0577
- United Way 211:
- A free, confidential 24/7 resource hotline.
- Staff can assess immediate needs and connect residents to shelters, food, healthcare, and other local services.
- Call: 211 | Website: 211summit.org
- Why 211 is helpful:
- Quick access to multiple services in one call
- Covers crisis and non-crisis needs