Since taking over the Emergency Services Patrol (ESP) contract nearly five months ago, Fairbanks Integrated Community Services (FICS) has grown its staff to five people and plans to expand its operating hours from eight to twelve per day.

The nonprofit has also completely re-scoped how ESP operates, shifting from a simple transportation service for inebriated people to a wraparound program that connects clients to broader support services.

The city awarded the contract in April for $300,000 — $225,000 from the city’s general fund and $75,000 split between the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Downtown Association of Fairbanks. On Monday, the Fairbanks City Council approved a resolution accepting a $300,000 contribution from the borough to expand ESP’s services.

The city and FICS will

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