Community-Based Public Safety

As cities explore new ways to respond to nonemergency calls without a police presence, Urban Alchemy’s approach provides a model.

Calls often involve those who are experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health crises, in which there is no immediate risk to safety and no obvious crime is being committed. By sending Urban Alchemy to respond, cities can refocus police on essential activities and protect the safety of those who need help. 

In Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin, Urban Alchemy Practitioners respond to nonemergency 911 and 311 calls related to homelessness. Because 96% of our staff is formerly incarcerated or homeless themselves, we empathize with people in crisis. Unlike the police, our trained Practitioners are unarmed and trained to talk to people in crisis without judgment, helping to ensure their presence de-escalates situations safely.