Madera County has launched a new initiative aimed at improving public safety and assisting vulnerable residents through coordinated outreach and crisis intervention.

The Homeless Engagement and Assistance Response Team, or H.E.A.R.T Madera, brings together multiple county agencies to support individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges.

The multidisciplinary team includes the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Behavioral Health, Department of Social Services, and Community Action Partnership of Madera County. Additional partners include Madera County Probation, the Madera Police Department, and the Chowchilla Police Department.

“Our job is simple but serious: protect the innocent, uphold the law, and stand ready when our community needs us most,” said Sheriff Tyson Pogue. “H.E.A.R.T Madera reflects our belief that real public safety includes reaching people before a crisis escalates — and doing so with compassion and coordination.”

The program emphasizes trauma-informed care and accountability to reduce homelessness and promote safer, healthier communities.

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