

San Bernardino County made significant progress in addressing homelessness this year, including securing and investing funding toward the creation of permanent and interim housing units, launching non-congregate shelter with a 93% housing placement rate, and providing shelter and permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Overall, the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) secured more than $22 million to provide permanent housing and other support for people experiencing homelessness; led and supported several homeless outreach events specifically targeting Perris Hill Park, Wildwood Park and Bobby Vega Park; and collaborated with the Community Development and Housing Department (CDH) and other agencies to create additional housing opportunities.
“Under the guidance of the Board of Supervisors, our office has worked diligently to provide critical resources to the unhoused community, connect 95 individuals to permanent housing and partner with CDH and other agencies in San Bernardino County to increase shelter and housing capacity,” said OHS Chief Marcus Dillard. “We’re proud to celebrate these achievements and look forward to continuing to make a tremendous impact in our communities.”
Among its most notable achievements this year, OHS was awarded $11.82 million in the fifth round of Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to support rapid rehousing efforts, provide supportive services, enhance homeless outreach efforts and expand housing options at the county’s Pacific Village homeless services campus in San Bernardino.
The expansion of Pacific Village will include converting 28 Homekey interim units to 28 new units of permanent supportive housing; adding 32 beds of recuperative care to provide interim housing to unhoused residents who require medical support; providing 30 additional permanent supportive housing units for older adults experiencing homelessness; and developing an onsite substance use treatment facility with 16 beds.
“I’m proud to collaborate with OHS to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to safe and stable housing,” said CDH Director Carrie Harmon, who assists in providing oversight of Pacific Village. “By expanding housing opportunities, we can accomplish our goal of connecting the unhoused to permanent housing and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
In addition to the HHAP award, OHS received $11 million in Encampment Resolution Funding from the state to specifically target the urban encampment located at the Highland Avenue Corridor, parallel to the 210 freeway in San Bernardino and Highland. The award will enable the county to enhance outreach and case management efforts as well as support the development of temporary and permanent housing solutions, including the creation of 25 tiny homes.
CDH was also awarded a $15,000 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) from the federal government, along with an additional $129,000 in ESG funds from the state, to enhance supportive services and provide shelter to the county’s homeless population. OHS administered these funds, which supported a total of 20 individuals between August 2024 and October 2024.
OHS also increased its outreach efforts by coordinating and supporting several outreach events at San Bernardino city parks. For each event, OHS partnered with local agencies to offer free housing solutions, healthcare services, substance use treatment, hygiene bags, food and more. These resources enabled people experiencing homelessness to access vital services to enhance their health, safety and well-being. In total, 95 individuals transitioned to permanent housing.
OHS was especially proud to be recognized with a 2024 Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative approach to combatting homelessness by partnering with CDH to establish a $40 million grant program offered to external entities, primarily cities and community- and faith-based organizations, to develop new units to increase the county’s sheltering and housing capacity. The funding was made possible by the support of the Board of Supervisors.
NACo also honored OHS and CDH with another Achievement Award for investing in the Water of Life CityLink Campus in Fontana, which is designed to serve as a multi-use community outreach center, providing food distribution, wraparound services, 20 interim housing units, childcare services and 30 permanent supportive housing units.
Phase 1 of the CityLink project will include the development of a two-story structure with a food pantry and ministry storage, ministry support classrooms, multipurpose room area, concourse, public restrooms, a small heating kitchen and a secure reception area with counseling rooms, and restroom and shower facilities for homeless services. In addition, Phase 1 will include the purchase of several interim shelter trailers.
“A lot has been accomplished this year,” said Dillard. “Over the next year, we will continue to work actively with our partners to address and prevent homelessness. Together, we will find solutions that will help the unhoused community access the resources they need to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.”
For more information about the county’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, please visit https://homelesstohome.sbcounty.gov/.
Additional County Update News – December 12, 2024
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