The County of San Bernardino has worked diligently to address homelessness and provide the best resources to help those impacted.
In recent years the approach has been studied and the county has modeled itself after highly-successful cities and counties elsewhere. Over 1000 homeless veterans, with the help of non-profit organizations serving the homeless, have been housed. San Bernardino County first district Supervisor Lovingood said that the county has received national recognition for their innovative recognition.
The Sheriff’s HOPE Team works in the field to assist the unsheltered homeless ensuring that they are aware of the available resources. The County of San Bernardino has approved funding to being an additional deputy onto the team. New data-collecting technology and mapping will help capture a more accurate number of homeless people within the community.
The former Queens Motel in the City of Victorville is being converted into one bedroom apartments to assist the chronically homeless. The motel, which is being converted is near the 15 freeway and Stoddard Wells Road. When complete, there will be 31 units, an onsite manager’s unit, and a community center. The rehabilitation of the property is set to be done during the fall of 2019.
Ongoing support is essential for the chronically homeless, meaning that the person has been homeless for at least a year. The homelessness could be in a shelter or on the street. Onsite supportive services will be offered including the County Housing Authority, Department of Behavioral Health, Workforce Development, Inland Empire Health Plan, Goodwill of Southern California, Step Up on Second Street, and Loma Linda University. “Ultimately, our goal is to help ensure stability and to maximize each tenant’s ability to live independently,” San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Lovingood’s officials said.
