East SBV Times

On November 15, 2024, the Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) carried out "Operation Shelter Me" in Barstow and nearby areas. The initiative aimed to connect with unhoused residents, offering them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services. The operation specifically targeted individuals with significant mental illnesses to guide them toward restorative mental health pathways.

During the operation, the H.O.P.E. Team engaged with 35 individuals experiencing homelessness. Of these, 28 were referred to assistance programs, and 20 were linked with follow-up professional services. Through community partnerships, one individual was placed in temporary supportive housing, while another was connected to an intensive substance abuse program.

In June 2023, San Bernardino County adopted Laura’s Law or Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which provides court-ordered community treatment for those with histories of hospitalization, incarceration, or violence. However, during this operation, no individuals were identified as candidates for assisted outpatient treatment.

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 to address issues like homelessness and mental illness among county residents.

For those aware of individuals experiencing homelessness who need services, contact can be made with the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or [email protected].

The operation was overseen by Shannon D. Dicus from the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.