The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.), working with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, carried out “Operation Shelter Me” in Yucaipa on October 24, 2025. The goal was to reach out to unhoused residents and connect them with housing, medical, and mental health services while addressing public safety issues.
According to the department, “The Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.), in collaboration with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, conducted ‘Operation Shelter Me’ in the city of Yucaipa. This operation aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents, offering them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services, while addressing community safety concerns.”
The H.O.P.E. Team focused on people experiencing significant mental illness to help link them with restorative mental health programs. During the outreach operation:
– Eighteen individuals experiencing homelessness were contacted.
– Twelve accepted information about assistance programs.
– Eight were connected directly with local service providers.
– One individual was provided housing.
– Four people were arrested for outstanding in-county warrants.
– One person was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia under California law.
Proposition 36, passed by California voters on November 5, 2024 and effective since December 18, 2024, played a role during this operation. The new law amends earlier statutes from Proposition 47 that officials say contributed to increases in homelessness and related issues. Under Proposition 36, deputies have access to new charges that can lead to enhanced sentencing or prevent certain offenders from being released before their court appearance.
“The H.O.P.E. Team and other aligned resources will continue similar operations throughout the County over the next year, thanks to special ‘Community Concerns’ funding, approved by the County Board of Supervisors. This funding allows the Sheriff’s Department to address topics of concern, such as homelessness, mental illness, and community safety for county residents,” according to the department.
For those who know individuals experiencing homelessness who may need help or services from the H.O.P.E. Team, contact is available at (909) 387-0623 or hope@sbcsd.org.
