Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | View in browser
 EVANSTON, IL - One year ago, the City of Evanston launched the Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (C.A.R.E.) Team to provide a compassionate, community-based response to non-violent emergencies. Today, the City proudly celebrates the program’s first anniversary, highlighting significant milestones, meaningful partnerships, and life-changing outcomes for Evanston community members.
Since responding to its first call on July 29, 2024, the C.A.R.E. Team has handled 1,966 total calls for service, offering non-police crisis response seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Designed to address mental health concerns and other quality-of-life issues, the team is rooted in trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and strong community collaboration.
"In just 12 months, the C.A.R.E. Team has become a vital part of our community’s crisis response network," said Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Audrey Thompson. "We’re proud of the impact this team has made and look forward to the continued growth and healing it will bring to Evanston residents in the years ahead."
Key Outcomes and Impact
Over the past year, the team has responded to a wide range of needs, with top call types including:
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Well-being checks: 440
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Mental health crises: 148
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Miscellaneous public service calls: 234
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Panhandling-related concerns: 98
The team has also:
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Made 188 follow-up case management contacts
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Distributed 731 essential resources, such as food, transportation cards, hygiene kits, and clothing
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Provided 68 rides to residents in need
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Coordinated 204 warm hand-offs to trusted community partners like Connections for the Homeless, Trilogy, Turning Point, and Evanston Police and EMS teams
Training and Recognition
C.A.R.E. Team members are equipped with specialized training through a partnership with Oakton College and local organizations, including Trilogy’s FACT Team and Connections for the Homeless. Team members also hold certifications in suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity inclusion.
Easily identified by their relaxed yet professional uniforms featuring the C.A.R.E. Team logo, members are dispatched through 9-1-1, 3-1-1, and non-emergency police lines.
Evanston’s model has attracted national recognition. The C.A.R.E. Team is now a member of the Alternative Mobile Services Association (AMSA) and recently shared lessons learned during a national panel hosted by the Council of State Governments Justice Center.
“This program is not only transforming public safety in Evanston, it’s helping to reimagine crisis response across the country,” said Jeron Dorsey, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services.
For more information about the C.A.R.E. Team or how to support the program, visit www.cityofevanston.org/careteam or call 3-1-1.
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Media Contacts:
Cynthia Vargas
cvargas@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8234
Jessie Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041
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