Three unsheltered families housed during Victorville homeless outreach
Three unsheltered families were helped by a San Bernardino County sheriff's team during a homeless outreach operation in and around Victorville on Friday, authorities said.
The outreach was carried out by members of the Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) Team as part of the department's "Operation Shelter Me" campaign, according to the sheriff's agency.
Dozens of other unhoused residents were also offered services as the team canvassed the area in search of people in need of a helping hand in Victorville and surrounding unincorporated county areas, the department said in a written statement.
"The team located three families with children living unsheltered and connected them to immediate placement," the statement said.
Eighty people, including 10 military veterans, were contacted, officials said. Sixty-seven people were referred to services, and deputies helped 16 of them connect to a service.
During Friday's operation, "the team focused on those with the most significant mental illness to get those individuals linked to restorative mental health pathways," according to the statement. "Over 75% of individuals contacted were open to services."
Laura's Law
Two people were identified as "potential" candidates for court-ordered mental health treatment, also known as Assisted Outpatient Treatment, under Laura's Law, authorities said. Referrals were made for additional follow-up by the San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors opted in to the optional program last June. It was first established through Senate Bill 1421 in 2002.
"The legislation established an option for counties to utilize courts, probation, and mental health systems to address the needs of individuals unable to participate in community mental health treatment programs without supervision," according to a statement issued by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors upon enacting the law locally.
"Homelessness is, in large part, a mental health problem," First District Supervisor Paul Cook said. "This action recognizes that reality and gives law enforcement and the courts new tools and resources to ensure that our chronically homeless get the mental health services they need."
Operation Shelter Me is supported by state funds, officials said. Similar efforts will continue over the next several years.
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Anyone who knows a person experiencing homelessness and in need of services can reach the HOPE Team at 909-387-0623, or via email at hope@sbcsd.org.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Three unsheltered families housed during Victorville homeless outreach
