PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Today, the City announced three state grants totaling almost $2 million that will help Pacific Gateway–a federally designated workforce development area administered by the City of Long Beach–expand assistance to residents whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19.

“The doors to our job center have remained open throughout the pandemic,” said Economic Development Developer John Keisler. “This is an historic time and we need an historic response. These new grants will provide essential resources to workers and families most impacted by COVID-19.”

The unemployment rate as published by the State of California, 20.9%, is the highest ever recorded for the City, but certain factors indicate that the actual unemployment rate could be higher.

“The current unemployment rate is only one part of the story, when it comes to unemployment,” said Pacific Gateway Executive Director Nick Schultz. “Between April 12 and June 13, Long Beach’s civilian labor force count decreased by 13,300; those 13,300 residents are collecting unemployment, though not counted in our rate as they are not actively seeking work, but awaiting recall from furlough. Accounting for this group of individuals increases our unemployment rate to at least 27%.”

The grants, totaling $1.92 million, will help expand offerings at The WorkPlace, a career center operated by Pacific Gateway. Services include career counseling, training opportunities, online courses and assistance in finding a new job. These programs also include supportive services to help with basic needs.

About half of the funding, nearly $1 million, is specifically set aside to help impacted workers within the aerospace industry, a vital sector in the city economy. The funds will help laid-off workers find new jobs in aerospace or other industries where their skills are transferable.

Pacific Gateway will make the resources widely available to families across the city by working through a network of nonprofit groups, including Goodwill, Long Beach Center for Economic Inclusion, Centro CHA, Long Beach Job Corps, Long Beach Community Action Partnership and Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition, among others.

Residents interested in receiving support services from The WorkPlace may call 562.570.3700 or access information online at:Pacific-Gateway.org. For more information about business operations during COVID-19, Long Beach workers and business owners can call 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or visit:longbeach.gov/4BIZ.

For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit:longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.