How APD is Providing Help and Hope On the Front Lines of Homelessness - APD’s Hope Team: Ruth Adolf and Tanya Vandenbos

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Ruth Adolf is an 18-year Police Officer with the Anchorage Police Department (APD). Her extensive experience includes patrol work, specialized Crisis Response, and a key role in developing and implementing APD's successful co-responder model—a concept that pairs officers with mental health professionals in the field. A former member of the Crisis Negotiator Team, Ruth is a dedicated instructor for the department's Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), sharing her expertise with first responders and community members. In her current assignment, Ruth applies her skills to compassionate outreach as a member of APD’s HOPE Team.

Tanya Vandenbos is a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC I) and Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC I) with 8 years of service at the Anchorage Police Department. Drawing on prior experience in mental health outreach, case management, and housing support, Tanya was instrumental in bringing the Mobile Intervention Team concept to APD. Today, she plays a vital role in cultivating community resources for both officers and citizens. Tanya is committed to meeting people where they are and currently focuses her expertise on the Homeless Outreach Prevention Engagement (HOPE) Team.