East SBV Times

On January 17, 2025, the Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) from the Community Service & Reentry Division conducted "Operation Shelter Me" in Victorville. This outreach initiative aims to connect with unhoused residents and offer them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services. The operation particularly focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to guide them toward restorative mental health pathways.

During the operation, the H.O.P.E. Team located 41 individuals experiencing homelessness. Out of these, 30 were referred to assistance programs, 21 received follow-up professional services, and two were linked to housing placement.

In June 2023, San Bernardino County adopted Laura’s Law or Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which allows for court-ordered community treatment for those with histories of hospitalization, incarceration, or violence. In this operation, three 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 using "Community Concerns" funding approved by the County Board of Supervisors. This funding enables the Sheriff's Department to address issues such as homelessness and mental illness among county residents.

For information about services for individuals experiencing homelessness, contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or [email protected].

Shannon D. Dicus

Sheriff-Coroner

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department