Former Cahootians ‘thrilled’ with city plan to fill service gaps

from Willamette Valley Crisis Care, Eugene news releases, and staff reports

The city of Eugene released a gap analysis report that looks at Eugene’s crisis response services since CAHOOTS ended in Eugene. The report offers a comprehensive look at specific service gaps and recommends launching expanded peer navigation services. 

“As part of our analysis, we looked at what’s working and the persistent service gaps we face, how to address those gaps, and how we can best coordinate our response alongside current providers,” said Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Michael Caven. 

To compile the report, the city analyzed call data from before and after CAHOOTS ceased operations in Eugene, researched service gaps, and sought feedback from community partners including Lane County, shelter providers, and social service organizations.  

As outlined in the report, the city will issue a request for proposals (RFP) for expanded peer navigation services designed to fill identified gaps and coordinate with existing alternative response providers. The RFP will be competitive and open to all qualified providers. More information about the RFP timeline, budget, and funding allocations will accompany the RFP process.  

The full gap analysis report is available on the city’s website and at the Whole Community News local government document repository. 

Former CAHOOTS workers, also known as Cahootians, have since come together to form Willamette Valley Crisis Care, also known as CAHOOTS 2.0.

“We are thrilled by today’s news release from the city manager’s office and believe it is a direct result of community efforts to bring this essential service back to Eugene,” Willamette Valley Crisis Care said in response to the city report. “Willamette Valley Crisis Care has been preparing for this, and as soon as an official Request For Proposal (RFP) becomes available, we are ready. We look forward to getting back out there in the vans supporting our community.”