Operation Shelter Me helps Unhoused in San Bernardino Mountain Areas

May 9, 2025 -- Outreach Operation canvasses areas of Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, and Surrounding Communities to help the unhoused. The Community Service & Reentry Division's Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) Team in collaboration with the Department of Aging and Adult Services conducted "Operation Shelter Me"

This operation was aimed to connect staff with unhoused residents, offering them housing, medical, and mental health treatment services. During this operation, the H.O.P.E. team focused on individuals with significant mental illnesses to link them with restorative mental health pathways.

Highlights of this Campaign

• The H.O.P.E. Team located 16 individuals experiencing homelessness
• One adult male was arrested for drug possession
• Seven individuals received referral information to assistance programs.
• No subjects were idenitified as experiencing significant mental health crisis and substance abuse issues as defined under Senate Bill 43.

The H.O.P.E. Team and other aligned resources plan to continue similar operations throughout the County over the next year, thanks to special "Community Concerns" 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.