City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
Due to the increased transmission and surge in COVID-19 cases in Long Beach, the 2022 Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count has been pushed back to Thursday, Feb. 24. After consultation with the Long Beach Continuum of Care, the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) applied and was approved for an extension by HUD to mitigate risk to volunteers and survey recipients during this rapid increase in COVID-19.
The City of Long Beach has seen a steep rise in cases following the introduction of the Omicron variant. On Jan. 5, the City reported the highest number of cases in a single day since the pandemic began: 1,874. The 7-day daily case rate is 256.9 per 100,000 and the positivity rate is 28.6%. Hospitalizations also have increased. Long Beach resident hospitalizations are up, from 47 on Dec. 20 to 85 on Jan. 10, and area hospitalizations have risen from 51 on Dec. 20 to 271 on Jan. 9.
To allow for increased physical distancing, the volunteer staging location for the PIT Count has been moved from the Multi-Service Center to The Grand Long Beach (4101 E. Willow St.). Volunteers will meet at The Grand on the morning of Feb. 24, with all volunteer teams dispatched at 5 a.m. Volunteers will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before the event start time.
About 50 volunteer slots are still available for the PIT Count. People can register online, by emailing HomelessServices@longbeach.gov, or by calling the Multi-Service Center at 562.570.4499. More information is available on the City’s Homeless Count webpage.
Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.