First Responder Community Health Coach

Every day, I meet people where they are, assess their needs, and connect them to the right resources. Whether it’s someone without housing, an elderly resident, or a family in crisis, I’m here to help them move forward.”

–Chasity Kephart
First Responder Community Health Coach

An Untenable Situation

Fire Chief Justin James knew something needed to change. Emergency crews were spending an inordinate amount of time responding to non-emergency calls for people experiencing homelessness. Knowing that these individuals often have time-intensive, long-term needs that can’t necessarily be addressed by first responders, he looked to partners like Caring for Our Communities and the Iowa West Foundation for help. A new role within the Council Bluffs Police & Fire Departments was created, titled the First Responder Community Health Coach and Chasity Kephart was hired. She works closely with individuals experiencing homelessness connecting them with community resources and support systems.

Grant Details

The Iowa West Foundation awarded $100,000 in 2024 to support the position of First Responder Community Health Coach to Caring for Our Communities, led by the Jennie Edmundson Foundation.

Beyond the First Response

On a recent ride-along with a police officer, Chasity was welcomed by the individuals living in tent encampments. Her frequent visits have allowed her to established mutual respect and trust-based relationships with them, both of which are key for resource referral and follow-up. She knows them by their names, and not just by their living situation. Beyond that, Kephart connects people with immediate interventions as well as options for ongoing support. One man in particular was excited to share he was on a wait-list for housing. So far, her role as a coach allows her to provide warm hand-offs between service providers and the community members who need help with access. Kephart provides compassion with consistency to individuals that are navigating unique challenges on their own. Like all coaches, she helps them to set goals and build skills while providing motivation and encouragement along their journeys to long-term stability.

Outcomes

This First Responder Community Health Coach exemplifies the power of collaboration:

• Stability for Vulnerable Individuals: Immediate intervention, combined with long-term support, is more likely to create lasting change in areas such as food security, housing, and mental health care.
• Reduced Strain on Emergency Services: A community health coach embedded with first responders results in consistent referrals for people experiencing homelessness. The service also reduces the likelihood of repeat emergency calls and unnecessary incarceration, which lowers costs to the City of Council Bluffs and allows emergency services to remain available for critical, life-threatening situations.
• Collaborative Success: Partnerships with local organizations, emergency services, and shelters ensure efforts are not duplicated and community members receive comprehensive care.