By Rachel Maiore, Ward 7 City Councilor

After two years in the making, the City’s new Division of Community Care (DCC) has opened its doors at One Roundhouse Plaza, behind City Hall. The DCC, which falls under the Department of Health and Human Services, was born out of the recommendations of the Policing Review Commission’s final report.

Currently the DCC is open Monday–Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4p.m. Folks can stop in or call or text (877) DCC-0413. Responders will travel anywhere in Northampton, but are not currently providing emergency response. Work and collaboration between the DCC, dispatch and emergency services continues. For now the Responder team is offering support for those experiencing houselessness, emotional distress, difficulty with meeting basic needs, substance use, navigating conflicts, and other related situations.

I met the dynamic team of Community Responders at the Division’s grand opening on Sept. 8th. I look forward to the Division continuing to grow and will advocate for adding mediation and ranger services for areas here in Leeds and citywide.