Community Outreach Program

The Community Outreach Program provides a range of services for adults, young adults, and families in Colchester, Essex, Hinesburg, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, and Winooski. Outreach specialists work with police and service providers to coordinate support for individuals who have mental health, substance use, housing, or other social service needs. The team is also a resource for downtown businesses and service providers who make referrals when they are aware of an individual in need of social service support. Outreach workers also make efforts to prevent and address the sometimes disruptive behaviors of individuals who demonstrate acute and chronic mental illness or substance use disorders.

Clients can self-refer to Community Outreach, or they can be engaged by a team member in participating communities. The team also receives referrals from service providers, police, family or friends, merchants, and concerned community members.

Community Outreach Hours:

Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. – closed on weekends and agency holidays

First Call for Chittenden County:

Howard Center’s Crisis Line is available 24/7/365

There is no wrong reason to call. Your reason for calling may be as simple as requesting an appointment with a mental health specialist or more urgent, such as getting help for a loved one experiencing serious emotional distress. People may call us because they are

Frequent reasons for calling:

  • Experiencing overwhelming emotions
  • Thinking of suicide
  • Worried about safety
  • Hearing voices

Howard Center Intake Line:

(802) 488-6000

Anyone can call Howard Center. We will provide support, answer questions, and connect you to resources and services at Howard Center or in the community.

Frequent reasons for calling:

  • Looking for therapy or counseling
  • Feeling worried about a child
  • Needing support for your family
  • Getting help for an addiction