East SBV Times

On May 24, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) conducted "Operation Shelter Me" in Victorville and surrounding unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. The operation aims to connect staff with unhoused residents to offer housing, medical, and mental health treatment services. The focus was on individuals with significant mental illness to link them to restorative mental health pathways.

During this operation, the team located three families with children living unsheltered and provided immediate placement for them. A total of eighty individuals were contacted, including ten military veterans. Sixty-seven individuals were referred to services, and sixteen were assisted in connecting to a service. Over 75% of those contacted were open to receiving services. Despite limited service capacity, the teams will continue efforts to integrate this population into available services.

In June 2023, San Bernardino County opted into Laura’s Law or Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). This law provides court-ordered community treatment pathways for individuals with histories of hospitalization or incarceration and violence towards themselves or others. Two individuals identified during the operation will be referred to the Department of Behavioral Health for evaluation under Laura’s Law.

The focused outreach was supported by funding from Senate Bill 170, which aids ongoing operations of this nature by the Department. The H.O.P.E. Team and other resources will continue similar operations throughout the county over the coming years.

For assistance regarding persons experiencing homelessness who need services, contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or [email protected].

Refer: The H.O.P.E. Team

Station: Community Service & Reentry Division

Phone No.: (909) 387-0623

SHANNON D. DICUS,

Sheriff-Coroner

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department