East SBV Times

On July 26, 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 the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County within the Victor Valley. The operation aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents and offer them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services. The focus was particularly on individuals with significant mental illness to link them to restorative mental health pathways.

The H.O.P.E. Team located 20 individuals experiencing homelessness and provided all of them with referrals to assistance programs. Six individuals were linked with follow-up professional services. Despite limited service capacity, the teams will continue efforts to get this population into available services.

In June 2023, San Bernardino County adopted Laura’s Law, also known as Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). This law offers court-ordered community treatment pathways for individuals with histories of hospitalization or incarceration and histories of violence toward themselves or others. During this operation, one subject appeared to be a candidate for assisted outpatient treatment.

The H.O.P.E. Team and other resources will continue similar operations throughout the county over the next year, funded by "Community Concerns" funding approved by the County Board of Supervisors. This special funding allows the Sheriff's Department to address issues like homelessness and mental illness among county residents.

For those aware of persons experiencing homelessness who need services, please 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