PRESS RELEASE

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 (HSB) is offering cases of water to local community-based organizations and advocates supporting people experiencing homelessness. Community organizations interested in receiving cases of water are encouraged to submit a water donation request form.

“Water is essential to one’s everyday health and wellbeing, especially during the summer,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We invite local organizations and advocates to join us in this effort so we can distribute as much water as possible to those who need it most.”

Upon submitting the request form and receiving a confirmation email, community-based organizations will be instructed to pick up cases of water on weekdays at the City’s Multi-Service Center (MSC), located at 1301 W. 12st Street, to distribute through their existing outreach and service avenues. Case quantity is subject to the requesting organization’s charitable outreach needs and up to 20 maximum cases at a time. Organizations also interested in receiving other donated items, such as hygiene kits, clothing, and sun and heat protection items, can submit a donation request form.

This mass water bottle distribution effort is geared to offer critical hydration and other essentials to those who need it most during the hot summer months, especially as Long Beach and areas throughout the region continue to experience high heat. Water bottles are also being distributed to people experiencing homelessness seeking services at the MSC and during citywide service outreach by HSB staff, as is standard practice.

Community-based organizations with questions or seeking additional information about this effort may contact donations@longbeach.gov or 562.570.4636. The City is also conducting targeted outreach to Long Beach-based organizations to notify them of this opportunity.

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.