East SBV Times

On December 20, 2024, the Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) conducted "Operation Shelter Me" in Adelanto and nearby areas. The operation aimed to assist unhoused individuals by providing access to housing, medical care, and mental health services. This outreach is a collaborative effort involving Probation, the Department of Behavioral Health, and local community groups.

During the operation, the H.O.P.E. Team located 35 individuals experiencing homelessness. Of these, 13 were referred to assistance programs, and seven were connected with follow-up professional services. The team acknowledges that not everyone accepts help initially but remains committed to engaging with these individuals to find solutions for their situations.

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

The H.O.P.E. Team plans to continue similar initiatives across the county in the coming year. These efforts are supported by "Community Concerns" funding from the County Board of Supervisors, allowing the Sheriff's Department to address issues such as homelessness and mental illness.

For those aware of individuals needing assistance, contact can be made with the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or via email at [email protected].

Shannon D. Dicus serves as Sheriff-Coroner for the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.