Monterey Police connect with local service providers to help homeless

Two years ago, Louis Fernandez was living on the streets in Monterey. Wednesday, he stood proud alongside the Monterey Police Department at the footsteps of Colton Hall. “I had really given up on life, and I didn’t care one way or another,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez identified as homeless for over a decade. He struggled with addiction, underwent multiple arrests, and lost custody of his five children. While patroling the streets, Monterey Police officers came to know Fernandez well, and decided to step in and help. “When they got in contact with my children, I accepted the fact that there’s something else worth living for,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez is one of the first to recieve help from, what is now called, MDOT. It stands for Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team. The initiative was created by the Monterey Police Department, after they learned many local service providers were struggling to connect with the area’s homeless. “It’s a collaboration with the Monterey Police Department and several other entities that reach out to those that are in crisis,” said Chief David Hober.

The department has partned with Adult Protective Services, Monterey County Behavioral Health, Montage Health, and YWCA. Each are considered a part of the department’s team, and will go out into the field with the officers. The goal is to find people who are looking to make a change. “It could be with mental health, substance abuse, or housing,” said Hober.

Hober said Fernandez’s story motivates both him and his team to help others through MDOT. Thus far, they have helped 12 people get off the streets. Hober said they hope to reach far more.