Although a small team of three, the Lubbock Police Homeless Outreach Team has their work cut out for them helping hundreds of homeless individuals across the Hub City. The unit was officially introduced to the city in February.

Sgt. Eric Quijada, Cpl. Korie Archambault and Tony Chacon report that in their first six months of service, they were able to establish more than 700 homeless contacts within the city.

Their main objectives are to move members of the homeless community into homes and jobs, as well to help supply them with the basic necessities they need.

At their headquarters, they have a supply of toiletries, non-perishable food items, socks, bikes, some clothes and even boots. However, they can’t stock it alone saying there are several ways the community and even small businesses are able to help: through clothing, food and even monetary donations to help fund the unit. 

One of the several members of the homeless community they have been able to help is Horace Mazingo, a proud Air Force veteran, whose small 4×8 foot shack the H.O.T found near the Marsha Sharp Freeway. Mazingo kept to himself and his living space clean, but the unit knew they had to help move him into better living conditions.

“We learned after a short conversation with Horace that he was in fact a vet. We made contacts with VetStar and The V.A. and they helped Horace out without any hesitation.” 

Now in an apartment with A.C., running water and a bed, Horace says things are finally looking up, thanks to the H.O.T.

“They [H.O.T] there to see what you need, to help you improve your life. They want to do this, this is their calling,” said Mazingo. “It’s been a tremendous blessing to me.” 

Sgt. Quijada says it’s stories like Horace’s that inspire his team in their mission to help more members of the homeless community.

“Picture your worst day ever, and that feeling of grief then of relief, and seeing their reactions… That is the most rewarding part of this job.” 

Also part of what the unit does is unite the homeless with their relatives through their new bus program (contact the LPD H.O.T to see if you might apply). 

Cpl. Korie Archambault had met Aida Harrison through Carpenter’s Church. He said one day she came up to him hoping he might be able to help reunite her with her family. Last week, Archambault was able to put Harrison on a Greyhound bus to New Mexico to live with her sister.

“For her being on the streets, it kinda breaks your heart, so to be able to buy her ticket, get her housed, that’s the best thing you can ask for.” 

The officers say being able to catch back up with people that they’ve helped in the past and see that they’re doing far better lets them know they’re doing their job in making a difference.

“We’re not going to send a homeless person go be homeless somewhere else, that’s just not what we do,” said Quijada. “Homelessness is not a police problem, yet we’re the first ones to be called to those scenes, so why not help while we can?”

“It’s a golden opportunity, all you have to do is say ‘yes'” said Mazingo. 

The H.O.T wants to give special thanks to Allison Pritchard, section supervisor of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Larry Combest with the Wellness Center and the South Plains Food Bank for helping stock their pantry at their headquarters. 

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the H.O.T will host a Sleeping Bag Drive for the community to come out and donate sleeping bags and warm clothing items (jackets, coats, boots) for the homeless community as we move into the cooler months. It will begin at 9 a.m., running through 3 p.m., at the Lone Star Bank of West Texas located at 6220 Milwaukee Avenue.