This weeks’ time in class was spent listening to speakers who are professionals in their field of work. The first set of speakers were from the HOPE Team which is a branch of the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department. The three-man crew explained their reason for being formed and the influence that they produce. They also presented us with their database that depicts all of the information that they have gathered thus far. This information included a point where they have made contact with a homeless person and if that area was one of an encampment. The data points also included the percentage of the people surveyed that have mental illness, drug addiction or those who are veterans. They explained that this technology is useful because it helps to identify those in need. They are able to keep track of the sites in which an individual has been contacted. This information also lends itself to a better knowledge of statistics. It allows a better understanding of the demographics that make up homelessness. One comment that was made that I became fixated on was the comments on panhandling. The HOPE team stated that they do not believe people should give to panhandlers. They stated that in most of their experiences, the ones panhandling were not in need. They stated that if you have the heart to give then one should give to charities that help the homeless. I also learned a valuable lesson in the resource of 211. 211 is a number to call in San Bernardino County when in need of homeless help. The men stated that this number is a resource for individuals to receive housing, emergency housing, meals, health care, etc. This is something invaluable to me because it is a resource that I have never known about previously.