The San Bernardino County Probation Department’s Homeless Outreach Unit embodied the true spirit of community service this season through Operation Holiday Cheer, an initiative focused on extending compassion, resources, and human connection to people experiencing homelessness.

The effort reflects the broader mission of probation across California, to not only keep communities safe, but to be part of the community in supporting well-being and pathways to stability.

Probation officers spent time engaging directly with individuals living without housing, offering warm meals, care packages, and information about critical services. Their work goes far beyond supervision; it is grounded in relationships, trust-building, and meeting people where they are.

“Probation is at its best when we are out in our communities, supporting people, listening to their stories, and helping meet their needs,” the department shared in its announcement of the event. Through their presence and outreach, officers demonstrated the dual role that defines modern probation: protection and restoration.

Operation Holiday Cheer highlights how probation contributes to healthier, safer communities in ways that extend well beyond enforcement.

Showing up as community partners, probation officers are often the first to interact with individuals facing complex challenges like homelessness, mental health needs, substance abuse. Probation’s role includes connection to services as much as accountability and enforcement.

By connecting people with support and meeting basic needs, officers can better help link individuals to housing resources, reentry services, healthcare, and other local programs designed to promote long-term stability and safety.

Across California, probation departments continue to lead innovative community-based approaches that blend anforcement with rehabilitative support, ensuring people have opportunities to succeed while communities are protected.

San Bernardino County’s Operation Holiday Cheer is one of many examples of probation stepping into community connection, not because it is required, but because it makes communities stronger.