The Mobile Outreach Unit

A mobile outreach van is a method of community outreach to persons experiencing homelessness, addiction, or other conditions that cause them to rely on external support for daily living. It has been proved that by meeting individuals where they are, outreach programs can build trust amongst vulnerable populations using outreach vans. In contrast to a traditional clinic building, vans are ambulatory and facilitate a “boots on the ground” approach.

Underserved communities are often close-knit communities. Persons facing homelessness or addictions face stigma when going to bricks-and-mortar clinics. They often do not want to be perceived as needing help. Many people who need help with conditions such as addiction do not access it due to the lack of privacy.

Once established, community outreach vans become a familiar presence in the communities they operate in. This eliminates feelings of mistrust and builds credibility. Therefore, persons are more likely to approach the van for help.

Vans also provide the opportunity to reach more people in need. Instead of focusing all outreach efforts on persons who come to drop-in services consistently, vans allow outreach services to connect with persons who do not go to these centres. As a result, many outreach services travel through different neighbourhoods instead of being permanently stationed in one location.

Outreach vans are used by community support programs that provide outreach services. Typically, outreach services are provided to targeted communities. Outreach services include harm reduction, health care, telemedicine, and screening. Mobile outreach vans are also used for distributing food, clothing, and water.

Depending on the primary use for each program, they may be known as mobile overdose units or outreach patrol vans.