East SBV Times

On August 23, 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 Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. The operation aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents, offering housing, medical, and mental health treatment services. The team focused on individuals with significant mental illness to link them to restorative mental health pathways.

During this operation, the H.O.P.E. Team located 22 individuals experiencing homelessness. All 22 individuals received referrals to assistance programs, nine were linked with follow-up professional services, and one individual was connected to housing.

In June 2023, San Bernardino County opted into Laura’s Law, also known as Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). Laura’s Law provides opportunities for court-ordered community treatment pathways for individuals with histories of hospitalization or incarceration and violence towards themselves or others. During this operation, no subjects appeared to be candidates for assisted outpatient treatment.

The H.O.P.E. Team will continue similar operations throughout the county over the next year thanks to "Community Concerns" funding. This special funding, approved by the County Board of Supervisors, allows the Sheriff's Department to direct resources towards addressing issues such as homelessness and mental illness.

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