San Bernardino’s County’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team – or H.O.P.E. worked in the county’s unincorporated areas and surrounding communities to connect staff with unhoused residents offering them housing, medical and mental health treatment services. The team says that they focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to help connect them with restorative programs.
In a press release, the HOPE team says on Friday, January 31st they located 27 individuals experiencing homelessness, and 19 of those individuals received referrals to assistance programs. Two others were connected with follow-up professional services.
The H.O.P.E. Team and other resources will continue similar operations throughout the County over the next year, which they say is owed to “Community Concerns” special funding. This funding was approved by the County Board of Supervisors and allows the Sheriff’s Department to address topics such as homelessness and mental illness for county residents.
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.
San Bernardino County recently completed their 2025 Point in Time County on January 23rd, and said the results will be shared in the coming months. If you know of individuals experiencing homelessness who need services, please contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or [email protected].
Previously Reported:
