Restoring Dignity & Support Through Community Outreach & Support
In the Bay Area, countless lives are affected by homelessness and substance use disorder. For over 25 years, Options Recovery Services has been dedicated to restoring dignity and opportunity through our community outreach programs and teams—offering housing, recovery resources, and a supportive hand to those ready to transform their lives. In recent years, Options’ most effective and impactful outreach efforts have been fueled by three grant-funded initiatives presented here.
The Berkeley Navigators Team
With a focus on immediate crisis intervention, the Berkeley Navigators outreach team spent two years providing compassionate assistance to more than 400 individuals facing homelessness and substance use disorder.
From helping navigate complex systems like healthcare and social services to offering transportation to shelters or recovery centers, Options’ Navigators were there to help individuals take the first step toward change.
Mobile Encampment Outreach Team
Designed to respond and build rapport with populations living in encampments throughout the city of Berkeley, Options launched its Mobile Encampment Outreach Team in 2024.
This program empowers individuals to achieve their self-determined goals by connecting them with essential resources and support systems. With a compassionate, non-judgmental staff, participants are provided with a safe and welcoming environment for open interaction and self-expression.
As an independent, apolitical, and non-punitive organization, the team is dedicated to helping each person navigate their unique journey toward stability and success.
The HOPE Academy
In 2022, Options opened The HOPE Academy, a re-entry facility and program, that houses and mentors 25 formerly incarcerated men as they reintegrate into society.
These men receive extensive mentorship training that provides them with lifelong skills and tools, including financial and digital literacy, furthering their educations, securing gainful employment and housing, and opportunities to engage with their community and provide outreach to youth.
Community Outreach is One Part of the Work We Do
At Options Recovery Services, we strive to offer a range of services that help people in all types of situations and stages of recovery until they become a success story. Other services include: