Department of
Health & Human Services

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is recruiting residents who are currently or were previously experiencing homelessness to participate in the new Lived Experience Advisory Board, a paid committee that will provide valuable feedback on homeless services in Long Beach. Applications are available now and will remain open until the 11 committee spots are filled.

“We are committed to providing services and resources that have proven to make a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness here in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Through the Lived Experience Advisory Board, we’re offering an opportunity for people to share their personal experience utilizing our services – both the positive and the challenges – to help further our homeless services efforts and ultimately make life-changing impacts for others in need of assistance.”

By participating in the Lived Experience Advisory Board, committee members will provide insight into the development and proposal of new Long Beach Continuum of Care (CoC) and Long Beach Homeless Services Bureau policies, provide feedback on requested reports, and review proposed CoC policies and procedures before they are presented to the CoC board for approval, among other responsibilities. Committee members will receive a monthly salary stipend and transportation stipend, as well as reimbursement for any childcare costs incurred.

Eligible people interested in participating may complete an interest form at the City's Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12st St.), Mobile Access Center, or through a participating service provider. People may also apply via an online form available on the Volunteer, Donate and Get Involved tab at longbeach.gov/homelessness.

“There is no one size fits all approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness. In order to ensure we’re meeting the multi-faceted needs of people experiencing homelessness here in Long Beach, we must center first-hand experiences and perspectives,” said Director of Health and Human Services Kelly Colopy. “I encourage eligible people to share their lived experience and help us support other people experiencing homelessness by serving on this advisory board.”

The Lived Experience Advisory Board is being funded by the Long Beach Homeless Services Bureau utilizing Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding received from the State of California. The recruitment for the advisory board was approved by the CoC Board on July 11, 2023.

The advisory board aligns with goals identified under the City’s local homelessness emergency proclamation to ensure that equity and the voices of those most impacted are being centered in the City response efforts.  

Questions about the Lived Experience Advisory Board may be directed to the City's Homeless Services Bureau staff at HomelessServicesAdmin@longbeach.gov.

For more information on the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness in Long Beach, people may visit longbeach.gov/homelessness and follow @lbhealthdept and @longbeachcity on social media and follow the hashtag #EveryoneHomeLB.