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Impact program reports 204 calls through November; council praises outreach, discusses funding
Summary
David Hicks of YSS reported Impact handled 204 calls (Jan–Nov 2025) involving 446 people and high follow-through on referrals; council and staff discussed expanding coverage and possible opioid-settlement funding to add personnel.
David Hicks of YSS of Marshall County presented the Impact program’s annualized update to the Marshalltown City Council, reporting activity through November 2025 and describing case examples that illustrate the program’s role as a co-responder for mental-health and homelessness calls.
Hicks said Impact responded to 204 calls involving 446 people from January through November 2025, and that 34% of calls involved people under 18. He identified mental health, homelessness and family conflict among the leading categories for calls; Impact reported providing 43 hotel nights for 40 people (and two dogs) using United Way and donor funding and a 95% referral follow-through rate (195 of 204 individuals accepted recommended services, as reported).
Councilors praised the program’s outcomes and discussed staffing, with one councilor urging expansion to add a third advocate to cover overnight hours. Staff and council mentioned opioid-settlement dollars and other grant sources as potential funding streams to expand Impact countywide. Fire Chief Christopher Cross and other first responders described frequent reliance on Impact when crews find people with complex social or behavioral needs.
Hicks gave examples of recent on-scene de-escalations—including a response to a self-inflicted gunshot wound where Impact diverted family members from a volatile scene—and described continued case management and partner referrals through organizations such as United Way, CAP Services and local housing resources.
What’s next: Staff said December numbers will be finalized soon and an annual report will follow. Council discussion indicated interest in pursuing grant funding and reports back on possible staffing increases.
