On Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Sheriff’s Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) conducted “Operation Shelter Me” in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino and surrounding communities. This initiative aims to connect staff with unhoused residents, offering them housing, medical and mental health treatment services. During this operation, the team focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to link them to restorative mental health pathways.
Operation highlights:
- The H.O.P.E. Team located 27 individuals experiencing homelessness.
- 19 individuals received referrals to assistance programs.
- Two individuals were linked with follow-up professional services.
In June 2023, San Bernardino County opted into Laura’s Law, also known as Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). Laura’s Law provides opportunities for court-ordered community treatment pathways for individuals with histories of hospitalization, incarceration or violence. No individuals were identified as candidates for assisted outpatient treatment during this operation.
The H.O.P.E. Team and other aligned resources will continue similar operations throughout the county over the next year, thanks to “Community Concerns” funding. This special funding, approved by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, allows the Sheriff’s Department to address topics of concern, such as homelessness and mental illness, for county residents.
If you know of individuals experiencing homelessness who need services, please contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or hope@sbcsd.org.
Additional County Update News – Feb. 6, 2025
- ZM Trucks Chooses San Bernardino County for its first North American manufacturing plant and new regional headquarters
- Model T Roadster donated to the San Bernardino County Museum
- Caution urged as rain arrives
- Code Enforcement recovered stolen Colton school fence
- Free income tax assistance available to eligible residents
- County partners with Priceless Pets for Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program
- San Bernardino County Museum unveils new petrified wood outdoor exhibit
- First 5 and Public Health team up to give Ontario preschoolers free dental screenings
- Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA) achievements
- Rialto Library opens new meeting rooms available to the public
- Complete the County Update survey by Feb. 10
- San Bernardino County destinations: Dry Lake
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Highland
- Things to do
- Pet of the week: Hunter
- Jobs of the week