pop-up outreach
What is pop-up outreach?
Community outreach or “pop-up outreach” is a low-barrier way to meet people where they are, literally, by setting up temporary outreach booths in busy public spaces where people can easily find us. We pop up all over Cuyahoga county, in parks, community centers, nearby encampments, local events, and even empty parking lots. The idea is that we’re bringing supplies and services directly to people who may not have easy access to them.
Pop up outreach is a way to remove typical barriers like transportation and allows for us to build better relationships within our community. When we have strong relationships with each other we trust each other to share information, this allows us to respond quickly in real time if there is an encampment getting swept, an overdose spike, or a change in the drug supply. By making ourselves visible and showing people what we do we can empower others to do the same.
Resources we share during pop-up outreach includes, naloxone, test strips, overdose response training, HIV & Hep C testing, and linkages to care. In some locations we’ll have extra supplies like seasonal clothing, hats, gloves, and hand warmers. Each of our pop up locations happen on different days and hours, so be sure to check our calendar for details.
Request for us to attend your event
We love to support community events and grow our network of partner organizations. Are you hosting a resource fair, conference, or gathering that you’d like us to attend? We can bring harm reduction supplies and overdose prevention training to your attendees, just fill out this form and let us know the details. After you submit the form we’ll reach out to confirm our attendance and talk about next steps. Our goal is to ensure that people everywhere have access to life saving supplies, so thank you for helping us to make it happen!
Check out our calendar for more details on our pop-up hours and locations!
Pop-up Outreach FAQs
Our Community Pop-Up Outreach events are free, public gatherings where we bring harm reduction supplies, education, and resources directly to the community. We “pop up” in neighborhoods across Cleveland to meet people where they’re at and make life-saving tools and information more accessible.
Each pop-up may vary depending on location and community needs, but typically includes:
- Free Narcan (naloxone) and overdose response training
- Fentanyl and xylazine test strips
- Safer use and safer sex supplies
- Wound care kits and hygiene items
- Rapid HIV & Hepatitis C testing
- Referrals for treatment, housing, food, and healthcare resources
- Compassionate conversation, education, and support
Everyone is welcome. Whether you use drugs, love someone who does, or simply want to learn more about harm reduction and community health, these events are for you. There are no requirements, no judgment, and no cost to participate.
Not everyone can easily access traditional services. Pop-ups help us reach people in their own neighborhoods, reducing barriers and building trust. This approach saves lives, prevents the spread of disease, and connects people to care and support.
No. Our services are confidential and anonymous. We never require ID or personal details to receive supplies, training, or information.
Nope! You don’t need any personal information and no insurance required.
Yes. All the supplies we distribute are legal and approved for harm reduction purposes in Ohio. Our team follows the local health department and harm reduction best practices.
Absolutely! Volunteers and donations help us expand our reach and impact. Visit our volunteer page and donate page to learn more or email us at info@thrive4change.org to learn how you can get involved.
If you’d like us to bring a pop-up to your community, please fill out our event request form. We love partnering with local organizations, businesses, churches, mutual aid groups, and neighbors to make harm reduction accessible to everyone.
