The Appropriate Response Initiative (ARI) is Roots Wellness Center’s community-led alternative to traditional emergency response—built for situations where police are not the right answer.

Our team of four full-time responders is already in the community providing outreach, distributing harm reduction supplies, delivering groceries, and connecting people to mental health, substance use, and basic needs resources.

Soon, ARI will respond to 911 calls that do not require police involvement—offering de-escalation, support, and real solutions instead of enforcement.

Most crises are not crimes. They are unmet needs.

Community can keep community safe.
Peace, not police—for the majority of situations.