Need support? Call (707) 765-8488
SAFE Team
Specialized Assistance for Everyone.
Civilian first responders who answer calls involving mental health, substance use and homelessness, so people in crisis get the right kind of help.
How to reach us
Call 911 or your local non-emergency line.
In an emergency, call 911. Dispatch decides whether SAFE, police, fire, paramedics or a combination should respond.
Petaluma, 24/7
Rohnert Park, 24/7
Cotati and SSU, 24/7
Novato, Tue to Sat, 8 am to 8 pm
San Rafael, daily, 8 am to 8 pm
What we do
Crisis response, prevention and intervention.
Modeled on the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, Oregon, SAFE launched on July 5, 2021. Our team answers calls that have traditionally fallen to police, EMS and health care providers.
Mental health
Calm, trained help for people experiencing a mental health crisis, wherever they are.
Substance use
Support in the moment and connection to treatment and recovery resources.
Homelessness
Outreach, basic needs and referrals for our unhoused neighbors.
12,500+
SAFE Team calls for service in 2025
3,500+
assists to unhoused neighbors in 2025
Get involved
Help stock the SAFE van.
Assemble comfort kits, hygiene kits or nicotine kits for our responders to hand out, or shop the SAFE Team wish list. Your school, workplace or faith community can run a collection drive too.
Keep SAFE on the road.
Your gift helps civilian crisis responders reach neighbors around the clock. Questions? Email SAFE@petalumapeople.org.