Sheriff's H.O.P.E. Team Continues Efforts to Connect Unhoused Residents with Resources 

July 27, 2024 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Community Service & Reentry Division, Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) conducted "Operation Shelter Me" in the  unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County in the Victor Valley. Operation Shelter Me aims to connect staff with unhoused residents and offer them housing, medical and mental health treatment services. During this operation, the team focused on those with the most significant mental illness to get those individuals linked to restorative mental health pathways.

The H.O.P.E. Team located 20 individuals experiencing homelessness.  The team provided 20 individuals with referrals to programs for assistance. Six individuals were linked with follow-up professional services. While service capacity is limited, the teams will continue to work with this population to get them into services as they become available. 

In June of 2023, San Bernardino County opted into Laura’s Law, also called Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).  Laura’s Law provides opportunities for court-ordered community treatment pathways for individuals with histories of hospitalization or incarceration, and histories of violence to themselves or others.  During this operation, one subject was contacted who appeared to be a candidate for assisted outpatient treatment.  



The H.O.P.E. Team and other aligned resources will continue operations of this type throughout the County over the next year thanks to "Community Concerns" funding.  This special funding, approved by the County Board of Supervisors, allows the Sheriff's Department to direct resources towards addressing topics of concern, like homelessness and mental illness, to county residents. 

If you know of persons experiencing homelessness who need services, please get in touch with the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or hope@sbcsd.org.

DATE/TIME: July 26, 2024 / 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
INCIDENT: Outreach Operation
LOCATION: High Desert Communities serviced by the Victor Valley Sheriff's Station  
Refer: The H.O.P.E. Team
Station: Community Service & Reentry Division
Phone No. (909) 387-0623

Source & photos: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department