San Rafael, CA – The City of San Rafael is proud to welcome the SAFE Team – a unique crisis response, prevention, and intervention program for anyone in need. The program is a new partnership between the Petaluma People Services Center and the City of San Rafael.  San Rafael’s official launch and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place today, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the San Rafael Public Safety Center Plaza at 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. 

Hear from city representatives who will speak about how the program will address and complement essential health and quality of life needs for our community.

“San Rafael’s inclusion into this program will be another great partnership in California to use this model to assist our community members, increase health awareness, and enhance services already provided to the community.” said Police Chief David Spiller for the San Rafael Police Department.

The SAFE (Specialized Assistance for Everyone) Team was started in October of 2021 through a partnership between the City of Petaluma, the City of Rohnert Park, the City of Cotati, and Petaluma People Services Center to create a new model for responding to a crisis in the community.  The team addresses crisis response, prevention, and intervention for those considered as the most vulnerable community members experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and homelessness. 

“Since its launch, we continue to see how crisis intervention is instrumental in helping community members strengthen their self-sufficiency and are proud of our work with Public Safety,” said Elece Hempel, Executive Director for Petaluma People Services.

The team is made up of civilian first responders, who respond to and proactively address calls for service that traditionally burdened law enforcement, emergency medical services, and health care providers. 

ABOUT PETALUMA PEOPLE SERVICES CENTER: Celebrating 46 years of service, PPSC is dedicated to improving the social and economic health of our community by providing programs that strengthen the dignity and self-sufficiency of the individual. For more information, please visit www.petalumapeople.org