San Bernardino County sheriff’s op helps 3-dozen unhoused people

Sheriff’s deputies recently connected 36 individuals in Fontana and nearby unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County with referrals to assistance programs in the latest outreach operation to help people get housed, officials reported Thursday.

The sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement Team on July 12 located 39 people experiencing homelessness and provided 36 with referrals to assistance programs, according to the county. Deputies linked eight individuals with follow-up professional services.

The outreach effort was part of Operation Shelter Me, which “aims to connect staff with unhoused residents and offer them housing, medical and mental health treatment services,” county officials said in a statement. “During this operation, the team focused on those with the most significant mental illness to get those individuals linked to restorative mental health pathways.”

Despite limited service capacity, the sheriff’s teams will continue to work those suffering from severe mental health issues into services as they become available, officials said.

In June 2023, San Bernardino County signed onto Laura’s Law, also referred to as assisted outpatient treatment. The law provides opportunities for court-ordered community treatment pathways for people who have been hospitalized or jailed and have histories of violence. Deputies did not encounter any individuals who appeared to be candidates for assisted outpatient treatment during the July 12 operation, according to the county.

Deputies will continue operations of this type throughout the county over the next year with Community Concerns funds provided by the Board of Supervisors.

“This special funding allows the Sheriff’s Department to direct resources towards addressing topics of concern, like homelessness and mental illness, to county residents,” officials said.

To report individuals experiencing homelessness who need services, call the HOPE Team at 909-387-0623 or email hope@sbcsd.org.