City of Los Angeles Announces Get Help LA Pilot

Pilot program gives first-responders and outreach workers live, location based information on available services to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.

Councilmembers announced a pilot program to deploy the GET HELP LA app on the mobile phones of first responders and outreach workers who interface with unsheltered populations in Los Angeles. The GET HELP LA app provides up-to-date, location-based information on service types near a user’s present location. This will allow users to search and filter services by type to find an appropriate match that meets the needs of the individual they are trying to help.

“First responders often have a very narrow window when individuals facing challenges such as mental instability or addiction are willing to accept care,” said the Chair of the Los Angeles Public Safety Committee. “GET HELP LA allows them to quickly navigate and find an appropriate service location which maximizes the chances an individual gets the treatment they need.”

“With the first stage of the GET HELP App, first responders can quickly locate resources near them to address the needs of any homeless person they encounter,” said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson who serves as Chair of the Los Angeles Homelessness and Poverty Committee. “Soon this app will be available to pastors, teachers, outreach workers, non-profits, and everyday residents!”

“GET HELP is proud to work with the City of Los Angeles as our first municipal partner, to help more people in need,” said Dr. Anthony Greco, CEO & Founder of Get Help. “The inclusion of technology in the social service system will be a major step forward in helping to find housing, recovery services, and other programs for those in need. We look forward to a successful pilot program with our Los Angeles partner agencies and helping thousands of people in need.”

The app was developed through a partnership between GET HELP and the City of Los Angeles’ Information Technology Agency. In addition to deploying the app on city mobile phones, GET HELP LA will provide training on use of the app and data tracking so that the City can measure the use and efficacy of this tool.

In the initial phase, the six month pilot will test usage by LAHSA outreach workers, LAPD HOPE officers and officers assigned to Skid Row, and the LAFD SOBER unit. If successful the app could be deployed to city employees across Los Angeles who may seek to connect an individual in need with services, including librarians, parks employees, and others.