Starting August 5, the Seattle CARE Department is significantly expanding the operational hours for its Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) to provide citywide support from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. This shift extends the previous service window, which ran from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, to better align with the city's needs.

The expansion into early morning and late-night hours is a strategic response to call data indicating that 84% of the department's most common call types occur during this new timeframe. These calls typically include welfare checks, requests for community resources, and assistance for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

By deploying highly trained and unarmed mental health professionals, the CARE Department aims to address the root causes of crises and connect residents with long-term solutions. The program has seen a marked increase in activity; as of early August, responders have already handled 6,279 calls this year, nearly matching the 7,136 total calls managed in all of 2025.

The public can continue to request CCR assistance by calling 911 or the City’s non-emergency line at 206-625-5011. Professional call-takers will evaluate each situation to determine the most appropriate response, whether for a welfare check, resource referral, or immediate crisis support.

For more details on the program and its services, visit the official website at seattle.gov/care/community-crisis-responders.