Police Officer Creates a Homeless Person Assistance Program

Published on May 28, 2023

Pinecrest Police Officer Jeanette Cobo Makes Difference in the Lives of Homeless Individuals with H.E.A.R.T. (Homeless Encounter Assistance Reach Team)

While in the line of duty, Pinecrest Police Officer Jeanette Cobo realized that homeless individuals were not receiving access to the vital resources and programs they needed to thrive. So, on her own time, Officer Cobo created H.E.A.R.T. (Homeless Encounter Assistance Reach Team), an initiative within the Pinecrest Police Department dedicated to helping the homeless population. 

As a result of her advocacy work, Officer Cobo recently received The Rotary Club’s highest honor, Vocational Service Award Officer of the Year (2022). “I am honored to receive this award and to share this recognition with my fellow officers and partners who have helped make H.E.A.R.T. a reality. We will continue to work tirelessly in Pinecrest and alongside other communities to ensure repeat homeless individuals are properly cared for and made aware of the resources available to them,” said Officer Cobo. 

Officer Cobo first noticed increasing numbers of homeless service calls along US1. As she got to know the people, she kept records of who she spoke with and how often. Officer Cobo shared services with them because many of these individuals were interested in getting help but weren’t sure where to start. She even approached the City of Miami, which has a larger population of homeless citizens, to learn more and bring this knowledge to Pinecrest.

Since December 2021, the program has helped connect people to much-needed resources and programs. Recently, Officer Cobo met with members of the South Miami Police Department, Coral Gables Police Department, Miami Dade Public Library and South Miami Commissioner Brian Corey to educate these communities about the services available to the local transient homeless population, so they are not continuously displaced from city to city. Her efforts have been fruitful, including securing sponsorships from local businesses for shelter spaces at Camillus House, among other notable achievements. 

Officer Cobo joined the Pinecrest Police Department in 2016, after serving with the Hialeah Gardens Police Department. During her tenure with the Pinecrest Police Department, Officer Cobo has received numerous recognitions for her outstanding work.

“Officer Cobo’s exemplary performance as a law enforcement officer and commitment to helping the homeless is a true testament to her character,” said Pinecrest Police Chief Jason Cohen. “This is an officer with a lot of heart. We congratulate Officer Cobo on her achievements.”