PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach’s Emergency Shelter, located at 702 W. Anaheim St., has transitioned to Winter Shelter operations, expanding its nightly occupancy from 85 to up to 125 people. The Winter Shelter shields people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather and provides shelter, food, safety and services during the coldest time of the year.  

“We’re extremely fortunate to utilize our Emergency Shelter facility as our Winter Shelter, where we have added 40 additional beds to protect more people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather during the coldest time of the year,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. 

The Winter Shelter is operating 24 hours per day seven days a week and will do so through March 31, 2024. It will operate in partnership with nonprofit First to Serve Outreach Ministries and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). In addition to the Winter Shelter, the City and its partners operate 796 beds year-round as well as nearly 500 transitional housing beds. 

In addition to amenities including three meals per day, onsite showers and restrooms, an enclosed outdoor area and space for service animals and pets, shelter participants have access to a variety of services, including housing-focused case management, screening for housing programs, referrals to year-round shelter programs, assistance obtaining identification and documents and connections to behavioral health resources.  

“We are proud to be the hosting district for our Winter Shelter,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “While this facility provides shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness throughout the year as our Emergency Shelter, the Winter Shelter offers a warm, safe space to sleep and access services during the coldest months of the year.” 

In order to access the Winter Shelter, people will first need a referral from the Multi-Service Center (MSC) or Mobile Access Center. Participants will be able to access the Winter Shelter via the shuttle bus, which will make daily pick-ups at the MSC, located at 1301 W. 12th St. in the mornings and will return people to the shelter in the evenings. 

People are encouraged to follow @lbhealthdept and @longbeachcity on social media and follow the hashtag #EveryoneHomeLB for more information on the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness in Long Beach.