On February 28, 2025, the Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) carried out “Operation Shelter Me” in Highland and its surrounding areas. The operation ran from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., aiming to connect with unhoused individuals and provide them with access to housing, medical care, and mental health services. A particular focus was placed on those with significant mental illnesses to guide them towards restorative mental health solutions.
During the operation, the H.O.P.E. Team located 59 individuals experiencing homelessness. Out of these, 51 were referred to assistance programs, while eight received links to follow-up professional services.
In June 2023, San Bernardino County adopted Laura’s Law or Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which facilitates court-ordered community treatment for individuals with histories of hospitalization, incarceration, or violence. However, no candidates for assisted outpatient treatment were identified during this specific operation.
The H.O.P.E. Team plans to continue similar operations throughout the county over the next year. This is made possible by “Community Concerns” funding approved by the County Board of Supervisors, enabling the Sheriff’s Department to address issues like homelessness and mental illness affecting county residents.
For information about services for individuals experiencing homelessness, contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or [email protected].
The operation was led by Shannon D. Dicus from the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
