HOPE Team Conducts Large-Scale Homeless Outreach Operation In Adelanto

ADELANTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The Community Service & Reentry Division’s Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) Team conducted a large-scale outreach and enforcement operation across Adelanto and unincorporated areas of the Victor Valley.

The operation, known as “Operation Shelter Me,” took place from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026, and involved deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Officials said the effort aimed to connect unhoused individuals with housing, medical care, and mental health services, while also addressing public safety concerns.

During the operation, team members focused on individuals experiencing significant mental illness in an effort to link them with long-term treatment and recovery pathways.

Authorities reported the following results from the operation:

• 53 individuals experiencing homelessness were contacted
• 10 individuals accepted referrals to assistance programs
• 6 individuals were arrested for in-county misdemeanor warrants
• 2 individuals were arrested for possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a))
• 3 individuals were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia (HS 11364)
• 1 individual was arrested for possession of a narcotic drug—fentanyl (HS 11350(a))
• 1 individual was arrested under HS 11395(a), a treatment-mandated felony for repeat drug-related offenses
• 1 individual was arrested for violation of probation (PC 1203.2), a felony

Officials noted the operation was conducted under updated legal authority following the passage of Proposition 36, “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” which California voters approved on November 5, 2024.

The law took effect December 18, 2024, and introduced new penal and health code provisions that allow for enhanced sentencing and limit cite-and-release options in certain cases.

The Sheriff’s Department said similar operations will continue countywide over the next year, supported by “Community Concerns” funding approved by the County Board of Supervisors. The funding is intended to address homelessness, mental illness, and public safety issues.

According to officials, individuals arrested during the operation are contacted in custody by the Sheriff’s Transitional Assistance Reentry Team (S.T.A.R.T.) and offered additional support services.

Anyone aware of individuals in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the H.O.P.E. Team at (909) 387-0623 or via email at hope@sbcsd.org.

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