The Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) Team, in partnership with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, recently conducted “Operation Shelter Me” in the San Bernardino County mountain areas. The operation took place in Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, and surrounding communities.
The initiative aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents to provide them with housing options as well as medical and mental health treatment services. A key focus was on individuals with significant mental illnesses to guide them towards restorative mental health pathways.
During the operation, the H.O.P.E. Team located 16 individuals experiencing homelessness. Of these, seven were given referral information for assistance programs. Additionally, one adult male was arrested for drug possession.
San Bernardino County had opted into Laura’s Law in June 2023. This law provides court-ordered community treatment pathways for individuals with histories of hospitalization, incarceration, or violence. However, no individuals were identified as candidates for assisted outpatient treatment during this particular operation. Furthermore, no subjects were identified as experiencing significant mental health crises and substance abuse issues under Senate Bill 43.
The H.O.P.E. Team plans to continue similar operations throughout the county over the next year. This effort is supported by special “Community Concerns” funding approved by the County Board of Supervisors to address issues such as homelessness and mental illness among county residents.
For those aware of individuals experiencing homelessness who need services, contact can be made with the H.O.P.E. Team at (909) 387-0623 or via email at [email protected].
Shannon D. Dicus serves as Sheriff-Coroner for the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
