Operation Shelter Me: Sheriff's HOPE Team Reaches Out to Unhoused Individuals in Highland and Surrounding Communities 

March 4, 2025 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team (H.O.P.E.) conducted "Operation Shelter Me" in the city of Highland 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 59 individuals experiencing homelessness.
• 51 individuals received referrals to assistance programs.
• Eight 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 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.

DATE/TIME: February 28, 2025 / 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.

INCIDENT: Outreach Operation

LOCATION: Highland and Surrounding Communities    

Refer: The H.O.P.E. Team                             

Station: Community Service & Reentry Division

Phone No. (909) 387-0623

Source & photos: San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department