Shelter Court program brings services and support within reach across the county

The San Bernardino County Probation Department’s Shelter Court program helps connect people to the support they need, one interaction at a time.

As a countywide access program, Shelter Court meets individuals experiencing homelessness where they are and helps remove some of the barriers that can stand between them and critical services. Through the program, Probation staff work with court representatives, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, volunteers and community partners to connect people with court access, outreach services, health care information and resources that support recovery, rehabilitation and stability.

For many participants, getting help starts with having someone make the connection. Probation staff conduct homeless outreach in the field, contacting individuals who may benefit from Shelter Court and helping them take the next step. For some, that means addressing outstanding fines. For others, it means learning about available programs, meeting with service providers, accessing health care information or simply learning that help is available and people are ready to support them.

Shelter Court helps the Probation Department build trust by showing up in a different way. Staff connect with individuals through outreach, listen to what they need and help guide them toward resources that can support their next step. That work is strengthened by the many agencies, nonprofits, volunteers and service providers who come together with the same goal: helping people experiencing homelessness connect with support that is practical, meaningful and within reach. It takes coordination, planning and teamwork, but the impact is clear when people are connected to services and support they may not have reached on their own.

One resident shared how difficult it was to get clean and credited the support from the Probation Department, doctors, workers and other community partners as part of their progress.

“I’m proud of myself because I didn’t think I could do it, but I did,” the participant shared. “You just got to believe in yourself and take it one day at a time.”

Another participant shared that one of the most meaningful parts of the journey was having people on their side, people who did not judge them for past struggles, but reminded them that they mattered and could still move forward.

Shelter Court shows what can happen when access, accountability, compassion and partnership come together. By helping people connect with services, address challenges and take steps toward stability, the San Bernardino County Probation Department is strengthening community relationships and supporting real opportunities for change.

Additional County Update News – July 2, 2026