City Extends Operations Of Winter Homeless Shelter

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach City officials recently extended operations of its winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness due to ongoing cold and wet winter weather that continues to impact the city.

Previously, the shelter's operations were scheduled to be closed on March 31, but have now been extended to April 30 to ensure the safety and wellbeing of unhoused people in Long Beach, officials said.

"With the unprecedented amount of rain and extremely cold temperatures, people experiencing homelessness have endured unusually harsh elements this winter," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "The extension of our Winter Shelter will continue to provide a warm place for people to rest with safety and dignity. This is a much-needed asset for these community members, and I am grateful for the support we’ve received for this extension."

Since the shelter's opening, it has been consistently at full capacity each night, according to city officials. The winter shelter can accommodate 81 people a night and has provided shelter to a total of 217 people since its inception, according to city data.

To extend use of the shelter, the city amended a lease agreement with Community Hospital in East Long Beach to permit use until the end of April. Officials said they are still working on finding another location to offer the same amount or more beds for people experiencing homelessness after the winter shelter's closure.

Before extending shelter operations, Third District Councilmemeber Kristan Duggan met with members of the community on March 9 to discuss future plans and give people the opportunity to ask questions.

"The Winter Shelter is a critical resource for people experiencing homelessness," Duggan said. "Many people have utilized this shelter so far this year – some who have been there nightly since December. I am pleased it will continue operations through April so even more people can rest comfortably at night."

The winter shelter is only accessible for program participants via the winter shelter bus, which runs from the Long Beach Multi Service Center to the shelter each night. The shelter is open 24 hours a day in partnership with Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and nonprofit First to Serve Outreach Ministries.