East SBV Times

The Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) conducted "Operation Shelter Me" on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding areas. The operation, aimed at supporting unhoused individuals, operated from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The initiative targets connection with residents for housing, medical, and mental health services, emphasizing those with significant mental illnesses to create pathways to mental health restoration.

During this outreach operation, "The H.O.P.E. Team located 32 individuals experiencing homelessness," and "23 individuals received referral information to assistance programs." Additionally, "three individuals were linked with follow-up professional services," and "one subject was housed in a recovery program."

In reference to legal frameworks, San Bernardino County opted into Laura's Law, or Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), in June 2023. This law allows court-ordered community treatment for those with past hospitalization, incarceration, or violence. However, "no individuals were identified as candidates for assisted outpatient treatment during this operation."

The continuation of similar operations across the County is facilitated by "Community Concerns" funding approved by the County Board of Supervisors. This funding supports the Sheriff's Department in addressing homelessness and mental illness.

For information or to report individuals who may need services, the H.O.P.E. Team can be contacted at 909-387-0623 or via [email protected].

Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus oversees operations under the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.