Tech for Good: Becklar Enhances HOPICS’ Safety Measures in Homeless Outreach
For HOPICS, Becklar didn’t just offer workforce safety tools — it provided peace of mind by making their staff feel truly safe.
Overview
HOPICS (Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System) operates on the frontlines of the housing crisis in South Los Angeles. Staff members routinely engage with clients in encampments, shelters, and temporary housing — often in high-risk areas and emotionally volatile situations. As their service model expanded, HOPICS knew they needed a proactive, real-time solution to safeguard employees in the field.
The Challenge
Outreach and case management staff reported feeling unsafe during home visits and street-level interventions. Thankfully staff had not experienced a major traumatic incident; however, there was ongoing uncertainty in entering volatile environments — spaces occupied by individuals with severe mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or aggressive behaviors.
HOPICS’ leadership, driven by their core value of ‘Commitment to Employees’, sought a solution that would offer protection without disrupting workflow. It had to be seamless, fast, and easy to use for both tech-savvy and less technical team members.
"It was more situational than anything," explained Tia Dickson, Associate Director for Intensive Case Management. "Our staff needed something more than calendars and supervisor check-ins. We wanted to be more proactive in making sure that staff were safe in the field."
The Solution
"The check-in/out feature really attracted me... it gives us real-time visibility." - Tia Dickson
After evaluating multiple solutions, HOPICS selected Becklar Workforce Safety for its flexibility, field-focused features, and usability. Two features stood out as game changers:
- Check-In/Check-Out System: This would allow HOPICS staff to input their visit timelines, and if they miss a check-in, supervisors would be instantly alerted.
- Mass Notification System: This would enables leadership to communicate quickly in the event of active shooter situations, earthquakes, or dangerous conditions in specific areas.
Additionally, HOPICS appreciated the flexibility in deployment options for the solution. It is not always feasible for staff to utilize an App to signal for help, as it could escalate a situation. Becklar offers a Bluetooth panic button that would allow staff to discreetly signal for help without needing to unlock or fumble with a phone.
To ensure that all team members understood how and when to use the device, HOPICS developed a two-part training system: field safety education and device usage. Staff receive a one-page tutorial, complete acknowledgement forms, and get regular refreshers. They also established a Field Safety Committee that meets bi-weekly to troubleshoot, refine protocols, and keep the culture of safety alive, illustrating their continued commitment to employee safety.
Key Features Used
Check-In/Check-Out Timeline Alerts
Mass Emergency Notifications
Bluetooth Panic Button
Field Safety Training & Culture Reinforcement
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Conclusion
For HOPICS, Becklar didn’t just offer tools — it offered peace of mind. As Dickson reports, “The staff felt like we were truly investing in them. That goes a long way.” Their investment in Digital PPE from Becklar wasn’t just about compliance; it was a values-driven move to honor the dignity, safety, and impact of their frontline heroes.