Leading with compassion: The San Bernardino County Probation Department’s holistic approach to homelessness

A woman in a blue hoodie holds a meal box while an SBC Probation officer offers her a packaged meal beside a fruit bowl. — *The San Bernardino County Probation Department’s homelessness strategy is simple but powerful: meet people where they are, remove barriers, and provide real opportunities for change.*

As homelessness continues to impact communities across the region, the San Bernardino County Probation Department has emerged as a leader in delivering compassionate, solutions-focused support to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. With a clear commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration, Probation is reshaping how justice-involved individuals access housing and services for a fresh start.

At the heart of this approach is Shelter Court, a collaborative, mobile courtroom initiative that brings the justice system directly to where it’s needed most. In partnership with the San Bernardino County Superior Court, Shelter Court allows unhoused individuals to resolve outstanding warrants, citations and low-level offenses that often stand between them and stable housing or employment. Now a well-established model, Shelter Court has helped hundreds of individuals regain legal standing and move forward, turning paperwork and penalties into new possibilities for personal progress.

Another pillar of Probation’s strategy is its dedicated Homeless Outreach Unit. These specially assigned officers conduct proactive outreach in encampments, shelters and transitional housing sites across the county. They offer on-the-spot support, connecting individuals with housing, behavioral health care, employment services and more.

Central to this work is Probation’s deep network of partnerships with county agencies, service providers and community-based organizations. Programs like the Multi-dimensional Anti-Recidivism Partnership (M.A.P.) offer wrap-around support for individuals struggling with addiction and housing insecurity, combining supervision with mental health services, counseling and reentry planning. Whether it’s behavioral health support through county departments or housing navigation via local nonprofits, these collaborations are key to long-term, client-centered outcomes.

Additional County Update News – May 22, 2025