Department of
Health & Human Services

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has been awarded $11 million in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) from the State of California to address homelessness along the Los Angeles Riverbed in Long Beach. Long Beach is one of three Continuums of Care to be recognized a third time for its ongoing success in implementing effective solutions to support our most vulnerable neighbors. This funding will enable City outreach teams to conduct focused and compassionate engagement with people experiencing homelessness in the area, connecting them to critical services, immediate interim and emergency shelter options, and ultimately, pathways to safe and stable permanent housing.

“The L.A. Riverbed is an important thoroughfare for bicycle and pedestrian mobility, recreation, and an entryway to our Long Beach community. This funding allows us to continue our work connecting our neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness with the services and housing they need, while restoring the riverbed as a cleaner, safer and more accessible space for everyone,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We are grateful to Governor Newsom, the State of California and the County of Los Angeles for your incredible partnership and for providing the resources we need to continue to advance this essential work.”

Encampment Resolution Funding is a key component of the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness and support people experiencing homelessness on their path to stability. The City’s first ERF program demonstrated significant success, with 49% of enrolled participants remaining in the program and/or ultimately securing permanent housing. The City’s second ERF program is ongoing; so far, the City continues to shelter 64 people and has housed 10, making a marked difference in homelessness in the focus areas.

ERF funding has been a valuable tool in strengthening the City’s ability to provide consistent, effective support to those in need, demonstrating a growing impact and the potential to further improve outcomes for one of the most vulnerable populations. The 9.5-mile stretch of the Los Angeles Riverbed is the largest and longest-standing encampment in the city of Long Beach and will be the focus of the funding. This location presents health and safety challenges, including proximity to a busy freeway and difficult access for emergency responders. According to data from the 2024 Point in Time Count, individuals along the riverbed have experienced longer lengths of homelessness when compared with others in the city experiencing homelessness: 92% of those on the riverbed report experiencing homelessness for a year or longer.

The City plans to help those experiencing homelessness into non-congregate shelters while working towards permanent housing solutions with the ERF. The initial phase will include additional outreach and engagement with people along the riverbed followed by the mobilization and launch of new non-congregate shelter spaces and associated supportive services, ultimately leading to individuals transitioned into permanent housing.

“We are grateful for another round of funding to continue our good work in helping some of our most vulnerable residents, providing the assistance they need while leading to safe, permanent housing,” said Alison King, Long Beach Health and Human Services Director.

The State established the ERF grant program to assist local jurisdictions in providing services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in encampments that result in meaningful paths to safe and stable housing while also restoring public spaces to their intended uses. Long Beach has been uplifted by the State as a model for success when it comes to clearing encampments through the ERF.