PRESS RELEASE

City of Long Beach 
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

2/27/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 022723
Subject:
Long Beach Launches Donation Drive to Support People Experiencing Homelessness
Contact:
City of Long Beach Joint Information Center
562.570.NEWS
JIC@longbeach.gov





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.

“We have gone ‘all in’ as a City, and now we are encouraging our community to do the same,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “A little bit of kindness goes a long way and this donation drive will provide essential everyday items to residents who are unhoused. I encourage those who are able to contribute to do so.”

Now until further notice, items can be donated at the locations listed below:

  • All Long Beach Public Library locations during regular operating hours (all Library locations are regularly closed Sundays and Mondays)
  • Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach (3635 Long Beach Blvd.), Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Scherer Park Community Center, (4654 Pasadena Ave.), Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m.

Ideas for donated items that are needed, not typically funded by other sources and appropriate for donation are listed below.

  • Create a hygiene kit or house-warming gift kit from this Multi-Service Center Amazon Wish List.
  • Fill a backpack with needed items such as hand warmers, flashlights, battery packs, batteries (usually D batteries), emergency blankets and charging cables which can all be packaged in a backpack.
  • Donate pet care kits with things like pet treats, collars, leashes, pet toys or collapsible pet bowls. 
  • Donate gift cards to places like Target, Walmart, McDonalds, Taco Bell, In 'N' Out, Dunkin Donuts and grocery stores (only accepted at the Multi-Service Center).
  • Drop off S, M, L, XL or XXL sweatpants, shirts, socks and men’s and women’s underwear, beanies, scarves, caps, hoodies, towels or blankets. Gently used items are appreciated, too.
  • Young people can make a welcome home kit with some of the suggested items above and include a special hand-written motivating message to go in the kit. It’s a meaningful way to get youth involved in helping the community.
  • Donate food items like canned food, bottled drinks like juices or water, snacks such as granola bars or power bars, instant oatmeal and instant soup. Perishable, unwrapped and homemade food items will not be accepted.

Items can also be dropped-off at the Multi-Service Center upon request. Call the Multi-Service Center at 562.570.4586 to set up a time to drop off. To learn about more ways to get involved, click here.

The City does not represent or warrant that any donations made to the City are tax deductible. Donors are encouraged to work with their tax professional. Receipts of donations are available at all drop off locations.

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.