Health & Human services

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat 8/28/2023 Long Beach, CA – With excessive temperatures this week, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid to high 90s in parts of Long Beach today, Aug. 28, and tomorrow, Aug. 29.

Long Beach Hosting Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, August 26 to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 8/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the City of Long Beach will host its sixth donation drive thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

Community Invited to Participate in Youth-led Tours of Long Beach’s North, West and Washington Neighborhoods 8/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – For the second year, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development, in partnership with the Youth Leadership Institute, will host the My Hood, My City program’s youth-led neighborhood tours in the North, West and Washington neighborhoods in late August and early September. The tours will be the concluding event to the summer program, where participating youth will lead an in-person walk of their neighborhoods focused on raising awareness of its cultural and structural makeup.

City of Long Beach Launches Second Round of Request for Proposals for Health Equity Community Projects 8/24/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is launching a second round of Request for Proposals (RFP) to partner with community organizations to implement programs that address the systemic barriers and racism that created the inequitable differences seen locally throughout the pandemic and address the impacts of COVID-19 in the most at-risk, historically underserved and under-resourced communities in Long Beach.

City of Long Beach Awarded $5.3 Million from State of California in Encampment Resolution Funding to Address Key Areas of Need in Downtown 8/23/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has been awarded $5.3 million in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) from the State of California. The funding will provide much needed additional attention and focus in parts of Downtown Long Beach with a high level of need. City Outreach staff, through focused and respectful outreach, will provide services to people experiencing homelessness in the area with the addition of immediate interim and emergency shelter options and the goal of transitioning to safe and stable permanent housing.

Long Beach Homelessness Text Alert Program Now Includes Spanish Notifications 8/22/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach’s Homelessness Text Alert Program, which provides text notifications about services and resources available for people experiencing homelessness, is now offering notifications in Spanish. People interested in receiving text notifications in Spanish can text keyword “HOGAR” to 99411.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding the Mobilization of Temporary Emergency Shelter Space to Support People Leaving Catalina Island to Seek Shelter and Support 8/19/2023 Long Beach, CA - In response to Hurricane Hilary, the Category 3 storm moving toward California, residents of Catalina Island are being advised to leave the island as a precaution. To assist Avalon, the City of Long Beach will open a temporary shelter to support people who have left the island and do not have any other shelter plans during this unprecedented weather event.

City of Long Beach Modifies Operations at Two City-Run Testing and Vaccination Clinics in Preparation for Hurricane Hilary 8/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – In preparation for the severe weather system expected to affect Long Beach and the surrounding areas on Sunday, Aug. 20, and Monday, Aug. 21, as a result of Hurricane Hilary, the City of Long Beach will modify its City-run testing and vaccination clinics at two locations. 

Long Beach Temporarily Increases Shelter Operations for People Experiencing Homelessness in Anticipation of Local Severe Weather Systems Due to Hurricane Hilary 8/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – As the City of Long Beach prepares for a significant weather system resulting from Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to bring significant rain and wind throughout Long Beach, the Homeless Services Bureau is temporarily increasing shelter services and outreach for people experiencing homelessness.

City of Long Beach Seeks to Mass Distribute Water to People Experiencing Homelessness, Donating Water to Local Community Based Organizations to Further Efforts 8/14/2023 Long Beach, CA - In an ongoing effort to increase access to clean water and other essentials for people experiencing homelessness, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' Homeless Services Bureau is offering cases of water to local community-based organizations and advocates supporting people experiencing homelessness. 

City of Long Beach Launches Community Crisis Response Team 8/7/2023 Today, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) announced the launch of its Community Crisis Response Team. The five-person team will respond to a subset of calls-for-service where mental health support, health education and resource navigation could support the safety and health outcomes for community members at the center of calls.

Long Beach Health Department to Host Summer Youth Exhibition July 27 7/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – To wrap-up its 2023 Healthy Long Beach Youth Summer Program, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Tobacco Education and Prevention and Green Light LB programs, in collaboration with community partners and local youth, will host the Healthy Long Beach Youth Summer Exhibition. The exhibition will take place on Thursday, July 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.) at Houghton Park. 

Long Beach to Host Fifth Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, July 29 7/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Long Beach will host its fifth donation drive thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute. 

City of Long Beach Now Accepting Applications for New Lived Experience Advisory Board 7/17/2023 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.

Long Beach Health Department to Host Prep for Pride Tuesday, July 18 7/17/2023 Long Beach, CA - As the Long Beach community gears up for Pride celebrations taking place next month, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging everyone to complete their mpox vaccination series for maximum protection. The Health Department will host Prep for Pride! on Tuesday, July 18, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.).

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout July 6/30/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas weekdays throughout July. The MAC significantly lowers barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street. 

Office of Youth Development Announces Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) Long Beach Awardees 6/28/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership and Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, will award $300,000 to seven organizations selected by youth as part of a participatory budgeting pilot project.

Long Beach to Host Fourth Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, June 24 6/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Long Beach will host its fourth donation drive thru event, as part of a monthly series, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute. 

Long Beach Receives Excellent Dry Season Grades in 2022-2023 Beach Report Card 6/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has received high recreational water quality grades from Heal the Bay for 2022-2023, with 93% percent of its beaches receiving A or B grades for the dry summer months, according to the Annual Beach Report Card that was released on June 14, 2023. Long Beach has seen sustained improvements in water quality over the past decade. 

City of Long Beach Extends Overnight Safe Parking Program South of Downtown Through 2023 6/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – Following the success of the Safe Parking Program just south of Downtown, the City of Long Beach will continue emergency operations of its Safe Parking Program with a temporary site in the area through 2023 while the City also seeks a location for a permanent site. The City's Safe Parking Program provides a safe, dignified environment for people currently sheltering in their vehicles to park overnight while receiving access to basic needs and being connected to services.

Long Beach City Council Approves City’s Acquisition of Long Beach Rescue Mission Property to Serve as Permanent, Year-Round Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness 6/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – At the June 13, 2023, meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved with a 9 to 0 vote the authorization for the purchase of property, located at 702 W. Anaheim St. and currently owned by the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Inc., to be utilized by the City of Long Beach as a permanent, year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness. This acquisition comes in response to the City’s local homelessness emergency proclamation and expanded efforts to increase access to interim housing, services and connections to permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach.

Long Beach Housing Authority Awarded 79 Stability Housing Vouchers to Connect People Experiencing or At Risk of Homelessness to Permanent Housing 6/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, located within the Department of Health and Human Services, recently received 79 Stability Housing Vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On April 17, 2023, HUD announced Long Beach as one of eight Continuum of Care communities in California to receive Stability Housing Vouchers, which will be utilized to connect even more qualifying individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness to permanent housing. 

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout June 6/10/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is continuing deployment of its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas throughout June, conducting outreach in similar areas as the month of May so that Homeless Services Bureau staff can continue to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building, an essential component in increasing access to resources and services. The June MAC schedule also includes new locations in the Belmont Shore and East Village areas.

Long Beach City Council to Discuss Acquisition of Long Beach Rescue Mission Property to Serve as Permanent, Year-Round Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness 6/9/2023 Long Beach, CA – During the June 13, 2023, meeting, the Long Beach City Council will discuss and vote on the authorization for the purchase of property located at 702 W. Anaheim Street currently owned by the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Inc. that, if acquired by the City, will be utilized as a permanent, year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness. 

23rd Annual KJLH Women’s Health Expo Returns to Long Beach 6/8/2023 Long Beach, CA – The KJLH Women’s Health Expo, one of the largest health events for women in Southern California, will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The Expo is presented by the Black Infant Health Program (BIH) Long Beach/Fresno as title sponsor. The theme of this year’s event is “H.E.R. - Healthy, Empowered, Remarkable” and over 10,000 women are expected to attend.

Long Beach Temporarily Closes Open Swimming Areas Along Coastal Beaches Due to Sewage Spill 6/6/2023 Long Beach, CA – Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

Long Beach Advancing Peace Hosts Leaders of Violence Prevention Symposium 6/2/2023 Long Beach, CA – In honor or National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ (Health Department) program Long Beach Advancing Peace will host Leaders of Violence Prevention Community Symposium, addressing violence prevention efforts, best practices and challenges.

Long Beach Health Department Provides Safety Tips on Controlling Mosquitos 5/30/2023 Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and mosquito season, and the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages everyone to do their part to control mosquitos.

City of Long Beach to Increase Access to Sexual Health Resources 5/30/2023 The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched a new condom distribution program that provides free condoms and lubricants to promote sexual health and reduce HIV/STI infections. The program aims to increase the availability, accessibility and acceptability of condoms.

Youth Invited to Apply for Long Beach’s Youth Advisory Council 5/26/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development's second iteration of the Youth Advisory Council.

My Hood, My City to Return for Second Year 5/25/2023 Long Beach, CA - Following the success of last year's youth-led neighborhood tours, the City of Long Beach, in partnership with Youth Leadership Institute, will host a new series of tours this summer.

Long Beach to Host Third Drive Thru Donation Event Saturday, May 27, to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 5/23/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Long Beach will host its third donation drive thru event as part of a monthly series, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

City of Long Beach Seeks Community Partners to Expand Safe Passage Program 5/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking to partner with three qualified organizations to support the expansion of its existing Safe Passage Program and increase the safety of youth walking to and from school in North, West and Central Long Beach.

Long Beach Now Offering Evening Mental Health Therapy Programming to People Experiencing Homelessness 5/12/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Homeless Services Bureau is now offering evening mental health therapy programming for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, including those who are unsheltered and those staying in congregate or non-congregate shelters in Long Beach. This new offering is in addition to existing mental health services currently offered during business hours and includes scheduled 45-minute phone therapy sessions, available weekday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Long Beach to Host Sunset Ceremony Commemorating Memorial Day 5/11/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Office of Veterans Support, which is part of the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, will host a free, family-friendly community event on Sunday, May 28 to commemorate Memorial Day.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding the Shooting of Two Children in Long Beach 5/10/2023 At approximately 11:32 p.m. yesterday, May 9, two youth from our community were shot on the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue in Long Beach. This horrific event resulted in the injury of a 14-year-old girl and the death of a 12-year-old boy, Eric Gregory Brown III, of Long Beach. A third victim, a 13-year-old girl, was not physically injured. The City of Long Beach condemns this senseless murder and sends heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the murder victim as well as the other two young victims.

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 5/4/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Long Beach to Host Healing Through Community Resource Fair 5/1/2023 The City of Long Beach invites Long Beach families and community members to the Healing Through Community Resource Fair on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.). This free event is hosted by the Long Beach Health Department in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. The resource fair, part of the City’s Mental Health Matters Awareness Campaign, will be a joint celebration for Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center to Continue Homeless Services Outreach Throughout May 4/28/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas throughout May. Additionally starting in May, the MAC will be deployed during the afternoon on select days to allow outreach staff to engage with more individuals and follow up with existing clients. 

City of Long Beach Opens Temporary Emergency Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness 4/28/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has opened a temporary emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The new emergency shelter opened on April 27 and holds more than 85 beds, offers a variety of onsite amenities and access to services, and will serve as a critical resource moving forward after the Community Hospital Winter Shelter concludes operations today, per the lease agreement.  

Long Beach Releases Results of the 2023 Homeless Point in Time Count 4/27/2023 Findings of the 2023 Homeless Point in Time Count reveal that Long Beach identified 3,447people experiencing homelessness in January 2023, compared with 3,296 people in 2022. This number signifies a 4.6% increase from last year, the smallest increase Long Beachhas reportedsince 2019.For reference, homelessness increased 7% from 2019 to 2020, and increased from 62% from 2020 to 2022 (the 2021 Count was canceled due to the pandemic).

Long Beach Open Coastal Beaches Temporary Closed Due to Sewage Spill 4/20/2023

Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, ordered all open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill.  State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

City of Long Beach Invites Community to Attend Fifth Annual Celebration of the Young Child Event 4/19/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will host its fifth annual Celebration of the Young Child, a free annual event to showcase City departments, nonprofit organizations and vendors who provide services and resources for young children and their families and caregivers in a fun and exciting way. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Billie Jean King Main Library.

Long Beach to Receive $5.2 Million in Grants to Support Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Housing Opportunities for People Experiencing Homelessness 4/19/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services will receive $5.2 million in grants over a three-year period from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding will be utilized to support the City's rapid rehousing and permanent housing efforts for people experiencing homelessness.

City of Long Beach to Open a Temporary Emergency Shelter with 85+ Beds for People Experiencing Homelessness 4/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will open a temporary emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness at the end of April. The new emergency shelter, located at 702 W. Anaheim St., will have space for more than 85 beds and will serve as a critical resource for people experiencing homelessness after the Community Hospital Winter Shelter concludes operations at the end of April, per the lease agreement. People who are currently sheltering at the Community Hospital site will receive priority to receive placement at the emergency shelter.

Long Beach to Host Second Drive Thru Donation Event on Saturday, April 29 4/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – Later this month, the City of Long Beach will host another donation drive thru event, its second in a series of monthly events, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness. The event will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

Health Department Receives $100,000 to Increase Inclusivity within Public Health Preparedness Planning and Response 4/12/2023 Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Emergency Management Division has secured funding from two grants totaling $100,000 from the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

*UPDATED* City of Long Beach to Open Sanitation and Water-Filling Site for People Sheltering in Recreational Vehicles Beginning Monday, April 10 4/6/2023 Starting Monday, April 10, the City of Long Beach will open its sanitation and water filling site, for people experiencing homelessness and living in recreational vehicles (RVs). The site offers sanitation dump stations, allowing people living in RVs to properly dispose of sewage, and also provides water filling stations.

Long Beach Health Department Invites Community to Participate in First Annual Long Beach Walk to Play Day 4/5/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Walk and Roll Long Beach Program will host the first annual Long Beach Walk to Play Day as part of the City’s Active Transportation Program-funded Downtown Walkable Corners project. To encourage residents to choose non-motorized forms of transportation such as walking, biking or rolling, Long Beach Walk to Play Day, taking place Saturday, April 8, will highlight parks, playgrounds and businesses that offer activities and opportunities for play. 

City of Long Beach Issues New Health Order for COVID-19 Prevention 4/4/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has issued a new Health Order that will continue COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements for healthcare personnel. Isolation orders have also been updated.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center to Continue Offering Homeless Service Outreach Throughout April 3/30/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas throughout April. Beginning Monday, April 3, the MAC will be stationed at the following locations from 9 a.m. to noon:

Long Beach Launches Text Alert Program to Connect People Experiencing Homelessness to Resources and Services 3/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach, as part of its emergency response to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness, has launched the Long Beach Homelessness Text Alert program to connect residents who are unhoused with housing and support services and other resources. The new communications method will enhance the City’s existing outreach by providing timely updates directly to people needing the services. 

City of Long Beach Extends Winter Shelter Operations Through April 30 3/24/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is extending operations of its Winter Shelter, which shields people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather during the coldest time of the year by providing shelter, food, safety and connections to resources and services. The Long Beach Winter Shelter was originally scheduled to conclude operations on March 31; however, as a humanitarian effort to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness during the ongoing cold, wet winter weather, the City has extended operations through April 30.

City of Long Beach to Open Additional Safe Overnight Parking Lot for People Sheltered in Automobiles 3/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is expanding its Safe Parking Program, which provides a safe, dignified environment for people currently sheltering in their vehicles to park overnight while receiving access to basic needs and being connected to services.

Students, Staff and Families Encouraged to Participate in Long Beach Walk to School Week 3/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) invites school-aged children and their families to participate in Walk to School Week, taking place Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24. This year’s theme is Walking Rainbows and students are encouraged to walk their morning commute to school to promote safety and visibility while walking.

City Seeks Community Input on Homelessness in Long Beach 3/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community, the City has launched a survey seeking community members’ knowledge and perceptions of homelessness in Long Beach to garner feedback to further inform City resources, services and response efforts. The survey is now available at longbeach.gov/homelessness.

Emergency Response Information Now Available on Long Beach’s Homelessness Services and Information Hub Website 3/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has launched a new tab on its Homelessness Services and Information Hub website detailing the City’s response efforts for the homelessness state of emergency. The new tab, available at longbeach.gov/homelessness, will offer a one-stop-shop for City news, data and resources surrounding the homelessness crisis and will also support the City’s efforts to provide timely, transparent information to the public.

Some Long Beach Beaches Temporary Closed Due to Sewage Spill 3/15/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, ordered all swimming areas West of the Belmont Pier in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

City of Long Beach Seeks Partnerships with Community Organizations to Serve Residents Experiencing Homelessness 3/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking partnerships with community organizations and local companies that are interested in partnering with the City of Long Beach to collaborate with the City’s homelessness emergency response and assist in serving residents experiencing homelessness.

Long Beach Launches New Dashboard Featuring Local Homelessness Data 3/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has launched a new data dashboard showcasing local homelessness data, including demographics of people experiencing homelessness and data on the various housing and support services offered by the City. The dashboard is part of the City’s commitment to aiding the most vulnerable members of the Long Beach community and will serve as an accountability platform that will provide timely, transparent data to the public. 

Long Beach to Host Donation Drive Thru to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 3/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, March 18, the City of Long Beach will host a drive thru donation event to collect essential items for people experiencing homelessness. The donation drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.) parking lot located on East Conant Street. 

Long Beach Health Department Announces Second Year of Measure US Community Grant Opportunities to Support Summer Youth Programming 3/10/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is initiating its second year of Measure US fund disbursements via three rounds of community grant opportunities to support youth development efforts in Long Beach.

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 3/10/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Long Beach Continues Enhanced Homeless Services Outreach, Continues to Deploy Mobile Access Center Through March 3/3/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) through March, this month focusing on service areas throughout Long Beach. This outreach will continue to allow Homeless Services Bureau staff to conduct meaningful engagement and continue to build relationships, an essential component in increasing access to resources and services. 

Open Letter to the Community Regarding Silverado Shelter 2/28/2023 An Open Letter to the Community Regarding Silverado Shelter.

Long Beach Launches Donation Drive to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 2/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, the City has launched a donation drive to collect a variety of essential physical items to provide to residents who are unhoused. Community members are encouraged to join the effort by donating items in need.

Multi-Service Center Will Set up 60 Warming Beds February 26 through March 5 2/26/2023 Long Beach, CA – As a result of consistently windy, cold and wet weather in Long Beach, the City will set up 60 warming beds beginning today, Feb. 26, through at least Sunday, March 5, for people experiencing homelessness. The beds will be located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.). The warming beds will be removed every morning ahead of MSC operations, which begin at 8 a.m. on weekdays.

Long Beach Ends COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation 2/24/2023 Long Beach, CA - In alignment with the State of California, and amid a robust vaccine, testing and treatment infrastructure for COVID-19, the Long Beach City Council approved with an 8 to 0 vote to end the City’s local COVID-19 emergency proclamation during the Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, Council meeting, effective immediately. The City’s Health Department will continue to manage the necessary resources to address this ongoing public health burden.

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 2/23/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson to Host Community Forum with Local Housing Providers 2/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community, Mayor Rex Richardson will host a community forum with local housing providers where he will share details about the City’s monetary incentives to encourage new owners, landlords and other housing providers to lease up with people assisted through the Housing Authority’s Choice Voucher and Emergency Housing Voucher programs. Local housing providers are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about these incentives and engage in meaningful discussions to aid in the City’s efforts to combat homelessness.

City of Long Beach Shares Resources Available to Community for Addressing Issues Related to Homelessness 2/9/2023 The City’s stated mission is to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community. The City has an active Interdepartmental Team that works together to develop solutions, create procedures and protocols for street teams and address issues related to community members experiencing homelessness. 

Long Beach City Council Approves Allocation of $13 Million in One-Time Funds to Support Homelessness Emergency Response 2/9/2023 Long Beach, CA – At the Feb. 7, 2023, meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved with a 6 to 3 vote the allocation of $13 million in one-time funds from Fiscal Year 2022 year-end results, to support the City’s emergency response to homelessness and various associated priority projects across multiple departments.

City of Long Beach Selects Firm to Design and Build Tiny Homes for People Experiencing Homelessness 2/9/2023 Long Beach, CA - On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, the Long Beach City Council approved, with a 9 to 0 vote, the awarding of a contract to Los Angeles-based firm, Connect Homes, for the design, manufacturing, delivery and installation of 30 to 35 modular non-congregate shelter units (Tiny Homes) to safely house people experiencing homelessness. 

Long Beach Health Department Awarded $100,000 to Address Vaccine Hesitancy 2/6/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) has been selected as one of only three local health departments, among others across the nation, to be awarded $100,00 to address vaccine hesitancy. In partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, who also provided funding for the project, the Health Department will receive training, technical assistance and other resources to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, build partnerships with local organizations, and identify areas of need to improve vaccine confidence and uptake.

City of Long Beach to Provide Sanitation and Water Filling Services to People Living in Recreational Vehicles 2/3/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will offer a new space that provides people experiencing homelessness and currently living in recreational vehicles (RVs) with sanitation and water-filling services. A Revocable Facility Use permit approval for the new site was authorized by the Board of Utilities Commissioners during the Thursday, Feb. 2 meeting, and approved with a 4 to 0 vote. 

Additional Winter Shelter Doubling City's Capacity to Open in West Long Beach in February 2/3/2023 The City of Long Beach will open an additional Winter Shelter in February in an effort to increase access to critical shelter and resources for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach.

City to Extend Homelessness Emergency Outreach Efforts in the Downtown Area in February 2/1/2023 Long Beach, CA – Due to the consistent demand for services, the City’s Mobile Access Center (MAC) will extend its street outreach efforts in Downtown Long Beach during the month of February. This focused outreach will allow Homeless Services Bureau staff to conduct meaningful engagement and continue to build relationships, an essential component in increasing access to resources and services. Data show that some people are contacted 10 or more times before becoming open to receiving services.

City Announces Business Improvement Districts Grant Awards Under the Visual Improvement Program 1/30/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach announced a total of $100,000 in new Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Grant awards, which will support sidewalk activation, special events, and clean and safe initiatives. This program is in addition to the existing LB Recovery Act funding for BID Grants.

City Establishes Field Command Center in Response to Homelessness Emergency 1/30/2023 Long Beach, CA – Today, the City of Long Beach established a Field Command Center in effort to provide immediate and critical support and resources in the City’s homelessness emergency response. The Field Command Center will serve as a location for the City’s Interdepartmental Team to further coordinate planning and services for the downtown area. 

Two Long Beach COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Clinics to Relocate and Expand Operations 1/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – Beginning Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, the City of Long Beach-operated COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites at both Long Beach City College locations (Veterans Stadium and Pacific Coast Campus) will relocate and expand operations to El Dorado Park Recreation Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Park Central Facilities Center, offering additional pediatric clinics and indoor services to be more accommodating of the community’s current needs. Since the start of the pandemic, the Health Department has conducted more than 1,070,400 tests and administered more than 351,900 doses of vaccine. The Health Department will continue to operate COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics up to seven days a week.

City Announces Visual Improvement Grants Available for Small Businesses Impacted by Crime and Vandalism 1/27/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach announced the availability of grant funds through the Visual Improvement Grant program, which will support local businesses impacted by crime and vandalism on or after Oct. 1, 2022.

Housing Authority to Provide Program Incentives for Property Owners in Long Beach 1/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, a bureau within the Department of Health and Human Services, is offering several incentives to encourage new housing providers to lease up with people who are assisted through its Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and Housing Choice Voucher programs. 

City Announces Donation Campaign for Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action 1/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is launching a donation campaign to raise money for the Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action (Mayor’s Fund). Donations from residents, businesses and community organizations will support grants to organizations in Long Beach that address significant needs of people and families in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

City of Long Beach Centralizes Homelessness Emergency Response Efforts Downtown, Deploys Mobile Access Vehicle 1/12/2023 Long Beach, CA – In an effort to more strategically conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, the City of Long Beach has begun centralizing emergency response efforts in the Downtown area, expanding street outreach and deploying a new Mobile Access Center vehicle. These mobilization efforts, which will continue over the next three weeks in the Downtown area, were announced during a press conference earlier today, where Mayor Rex Richardson and other City leaders delivered updates regarding the City’s proclamation of a local homelessness emergency.

Work Groups Established to Respond to Homelessness Emergency in Long Beach 1/11/2023 Long Beach, CA – Following the proclamation of a local homelessness emergency in Long Beach yesterday, Jan. 10, City leadership has established an Incident Command Center and identified nine work groups consisting of 100 people to take on the various aspects of homelessness emergency response.

Homelessness Proclaimed an Emergency in Long Beach 1/10/2023 Long Beach, CA – Today, the Long Beach City Council adopted, in an 8-0 vote, the City Manager’s proclamation of a local homelessness emergency. The item was proposed by Mayor Rex Richardson and co-sponsored by downtown Councilmember Mary Zendejas. The local emergency will strengthen the City’s preparedness and ability to respond to homelessness.

City Seeks Partners to Help Increase Fresh Produce in Priority Neighborhood Markets 1/6/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking to partner with one or more qualified organizations to increase the availability of low-cost, culturally relevant, produce in priority neighborhoods in Long Beach through their Produce to Market Program. 

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 12/27/2022 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours.

City of Long Beach Leaders Meet to Discuss Possible Emergency Response to Homelessness Crisis 12/23/2022 Long Beach, CA – On December 22, 2022 at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, Mayor Rex Richardson addressed senior leaders from the City of Long Beach before City Manager Tom Modica and City staff convened in a strategic discussion regarding the growing crisis of homelessness.

City of Long Beach Encourages Residents to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season 12/23/2022 Long Beach, CA – The holiday season is a time for joyous celebrations, beloved traditions, and long-awaited gatherings with family and friends. With the winter holidays in full swing and New Year's quickly approaching, the City of Long Beach is offering the following tips to ensure everyone has a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday season.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding Forthcoming City Council Consideration of Local Emergency in Response to Homelessness Crisis 12/21/2022 Today, Dec. 21, 2022, Mayor Rex Richardson, in partnership with Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, requested City Manager Tom Modica to bring an item before the City Council for consideration requesting the Council to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency related to homelessness. The emergency proclamation, in response to the City’s homelessness crisis, will allow the City to mobilize local resources, coordinate interagency response, accelerate procurement of housing units and seek assistance from the State and Federal governments. 

City Launches New Homeless Services and Information Hub Webpage 12/21/2022 Long Beach, CA – Today the City of Long Beach launched a new Homeless Services and Information Hub webpage, now available at longbeach.gov/homelessness. The webpage was developed in an effort to provide a one-stop-shop of resources and information for the public and to offer a more open and transparent platform regarding homelessness in Long Beach. The webpage serves as a multifaceted information and resource hub for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Long Beach and as a localized platform where all community members can learn more about the City’s efforts to combat the homeless crisis and how to get involved.  

Health Department Reports Significant Decline in Mpox Cases 12/19/2022 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has made great progress in addressing mpox since the first local case was reported on July 16, 2022. A comprehensive approach including vaccination, outreach in the community and other public health response efforts have contributed to a significant decline in new cases.

Winter Shelter to Open in East Long Beach This Week 12/19/2022 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Winter Shelter, which shields people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather and provides shelter, food, safety and services during the coldest time of year, is expected to open this week at Community Hospital, located near the traffic circle in East Long Beach.

City Now Offering Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines to Children Ages 6 Months and Older 12/16/2022 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now offering bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to children 6 months of age and older. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for both Pfizer and Moderna to include the bivalent vaccines for children younger than 5 on Dec. 8, followed by approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Dec. 9. The bivalent vaccines will provide increased protection against the omicron variant that has been circulating since last year. 

Long Beach Moves into CDC’s Medium Tier of the COVID-19 Community Levels as Cases Rise 12/9/2022 Long Beach, CA – With COVID-19 cases rising, the City of Long Beach has entered the Medium (Yellow) Tier of COVID-19 Community Level, the second of three tiers outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging residents to be vigilant and take preventative steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

City to Host Health Permit Workshop for Mobile Food Vendors and Food Truck Operators 12/1/2022 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will host a workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 13, for mobile food vendors, including street food vendors and food truck operators. The workshop will provide information about obtaining a Long Beach Health Permit as well as upcoming changes to the California Retail Food Code. 

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat 9/26/2022 Long Beach, CA – With excessive temperatures expected this week, City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid to high 90s in parts of Long Beach.