About the Coalition

Our ultimate goal is for every person in Erie County to have access to community responders 24 hours a day, every day of the year, with a response time of 30 minutes or less. Community responder teams should be accessible via a direct phone line, 211, 311, 988, and 911 so that no matter how a person attempts to access help they will receive an appropriate response to their need. Eventually, all low-risk calls involving health or social needs, from anywhere in Erie County, should be directed to a community responder team.

We believe that community responder teams must be:

• Culturally Appropriate - Community responders and their organizations must reflect and be accountable to the community they serve. 

• Consent-based - Each individual has autonomy and the right to make their own decisions about their bodies and wellbeing. 

• Peer-driven & Person-centered - Care is delivered by people who understand because of their own experiences. Care is offered based on the individual’s expressed needs and desires. 

• Timely - First responders must arrive quickly to be helpful. Every call should have a response time of 30 minutes or less.  

• Well-resourced - Workers deserve family-supporting wages and benefits, time off, supportive supervision, a healthy work environment, and a voice in decision-making. 

• Self-determined - Community safety and well-being are all of our responsibilities. Communities can determine and define for themselves how safety and care are achieved. The community has the skills to take care of itself, community responders just add their support. 

Bethel AME Church

Buffalo Center for Health Equity

Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition

Evergreen Health

Little People’s Victory

Partnership for the Public Good

Peaceprints of WNY

VOICE Buffalo