How should, or should it, an HOA handle - possibly crazy people in subdivision confronting people

As a human being (not HOA rep.) I would call my local public health/Social Services dept...and ask for these 2 issues to be evaluated.

It was very confusing - he introduced himself as being new to the subdivision then drove off to come back to me minutes later saying he forgot to give me something. I figured he was a solicitor - tree cutters, yard cutters etc. often sell their services in similar manners, so I thought he was going to give me a business card and not to be rude, I put out my hand, and he placed a $5 bill in my hand. I was startled and for a split second not sure what to do. Then trying to give it back to him, he got agitated, then angry when I put it under his window-wiper and he started spouting off religious stuff.

Being alert to the possibility of the man doing that might keep a situation from escalating. I told people I know, mainly ones that exercise-walk on the same streets.

Roger

I don't know where you are located so . . .

1. Your local police or sheriff's department on the non-emergency number can likely provide you with contact information for a city or county agency which should be of assistance.

2. We are in McKinney, not a small city. I don't know that the city has resources to deal with a situation such as you describe. I would go directly to Collin County for assistance. If you are in Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, the city probably has an office/agency resource.

3. In the association in which we reside, the Board would consider asking the Association communicator to send a message to everyone describing the circumstances, what action has been taken, and what guidance has been received from the McKinney PD or a Collin County agency, if any. In many situations such as this, it is best if the person involved in the encounter contacts the appropriate agency directly to ensure first person communications as to what has taken place.

4. Finally, please ensure everyone in the Association understands management of such situations is not a responsibility of the HOA, even in a gated community with private streets. The HOA/POA, or condominium, does not have the resources or expertise, this is a societal matter which requires professional assistance.

If you are dealing with someone who has mental illness, he or she (or they) could be undiagnosed or cycling (the behaviors occur if the person hasn't or refuses to take medication, or the medication needs to be adjusted). Why not contact your local mental health agency and let them know what's going on - they may be able to give you some tips on how to address these people. Generally, if they're not harming you or trespassing on your property, it shouldn't be a problem.

And don't forget about 988, the new crisis and suicide hotline - here's a link where you can get more information. https://www.fcc.gov/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline

Once you gather information, why not forward it to the board, suggesting they put together an article for the community website or newsletter (or both) - not to point out this hotline, but to let folks know what steps they might take if they or someone might be in crisis

PS - you do know calling mentally ill people "crazy" is a slur, don't you? We use that word a lot and usually don't mean anything by it, but it helps to be more mindful of who you're talking about when you use it because it could discourage people from getting help. Read this article, then stop and ponder - https://www.nami.org/personal-stories/don-t-call-me-crazy