The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Service and Reentry Division recently carried out “Operation Shelter Me,” a coordinated outreach effort across the cities of Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, and nearby unincorporated areas. Led by the Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) Team, the operation focused on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with critical services, including housing support, medical care, and mental health treatment, while also addressing public safety concerns within the community.
The effort comes in the wake of Proposition 36, approved by voters in November 2024 and enacted the following month. The measure updated several provisions related to drug offenses, theft, and repeat criminal activity, providing deputies with expanded tools to address ongoing issues tied to homelessness and substance use. During the operation, deputies prioritized outreach to individuals with significant mental health needs, working to guide them toward appropriate treatment and long-term support pathways.
In total, the H.O.P.E. Team contacted 48 individuals, with several accepting referrals or being directly connected to local service providers. Enforcement actions were also taken, including arrests tied to outstanding warrants and drug-related offenses. Notably, one missing person was safely located and reunited with family. These operations are supported by County “Community Concerns” funding and will continue throughout the year, pairing enforcement with outreach and reentry services. Residents who know someone in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the H.O.P.E. Team at 909-387-0623 or via email at hope@sbcsd.org.