The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Community Services and Reentry Division (CSRD) works to make a positive impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness throughout the county. Each year, the team connects with 2,000-3,000 people, helping them access resources to overcome addiction and build stability through housing, education and other support services.
For some, accepting help does not happen after the first contact.
Paul struggled with alcohol addiction after suffering an on-the-job injury in his twenties that left him unable to work and reliant on disability benefits. As he struggled to manage the pain from his injury, his alcohol use became increasingly severe. Eventually, he could no longer make ends meet and lost his housing.
Over the next eight years, Paul experienced homelessness and substance use while cycling in and out of the justice system. Law enforcement officers contacted him dozens of times, but he had not yet accepted help.
That began to change when Paul met Deputy Derek Emery with CSRD.
Emery contacted Paul several times while he asked for money and food near a freeway offramp. Each time, Emery encouraged him to accept help and reminded him that there was still hope. Change did not happen immediately, but Emery continued reaching out until Paul was ready to take the first step.
With support from Emery, Clinical Therapist Angela De Pass Albers, Drug Counselor Brandi Howard and Inland Valley Recovery Services, Paul began rebuilding his life.
Today, Paul is preparing to receive his one-year sobriety chip. He has stable housing, receives regular support from his Alcoholics Anonymous group and has begun interviewing for jobs.
The road has not been easy, but Paul says he now “likes the struggles of real life versus the struggles of homelessness.”
After eight years of homelessness and addiction, Paul is looking toward the future with optimism. He credits the persistence of the CSRD team and support from Inland Valley Recovery Services with giving him an opportunity to turn his life around. Paul’s story is a reminder that change may not happen after the first contact. Sometimes, it takes someone continuing to show up.