PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will utilize its Multi-Service Center (MSC) to serve as an overnight Inclement Weather Shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The City will activate the emergency shelter site during extreme weather conditions to provide temporary low-barrier, safe and supportive emergency shelter so that individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness can escape severe cold and wet weather conditions.

“We are proud to add the Inclement Weather Shelter to our suite of interim housing options here in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By activating our Multi-Service Center as an overnight shelter during these cold winter months, we are offering a vital lifeline for individuals who would otherwise be exposed to the harsh elements.”

Recent reports by the National Weather Forecast estimate a record rainy season due to El Niño which is expected to bring increased rains, winds and low temperatures. Living on the street or in a structure not fit for human habitation makes people extremely vulnerable to adverse weather. The 2023 Long Beach Homeless Point-in-Time Count identified over 2,200 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Long Beach. Living on the street or in a structure not fit for human habitation makes people extremely vulnerable to adverse weather like cold, rain or wind, creating a higher risk of hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, heart attacks from overexertion, and other sickness. The Inclement Weather Shelter reduces these risks by providing a warm, dry and safe space for people to sleep overnight. 

The Inclement Weather Shelter will be activated when there is forecasted inclement weather conditions, such as forecasted temperatures of 45° F or lower, flood watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service or forecasted rain or storm that exceeds light showers, and will operate out of the MSC (1301 W. 12th St.) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., accommodating up to 60 people with separate rooms for men and women. Participants will receive a cot and blanket, access to restrooms and hygiene supplies, a hot dinner and small breakfast, support from City staff and security services, and linkages to supportive services via the MSC. All participants will be required to vacate the facility in the morning and may reenter when standard MSC operations commence for connections to supportive services. When activated, Homeless Services Bureau staff, including general outreach, REACH teams and the Mobile Access Centers, will mobilize to notify people experiencing unsheltered homelessness of the shelter opportunity. City staff will also utilize the Homelessness Text Alert Program and the City’s social media to provide information on how to access shelter.

Community members interested in supporting the Inclement Weather Shelter can donate items for hygiene kits and/or cold-weather items like blankets, coats, socks, sweaters, beanies, gloves and hand warmers. Those interested in volunteering with the City’s Medical Reserve Corps, which will be utilized to support staff coverage at the shelter, can sign up at www.longbeach.gov/mrc.

The facility will be activated as needed now through March 2024. The Inclement Weather Shelter is funded through Measure H funds, also used for the Winter Shelter Program, as well as additional support from Los Angeles County.

More information about the Inclement Weather Shelter is available in the FAQs.

The City is also operating its Winter Shelter, which provides shelter, food and access to services for up to 125 people. The Winter Shelter is operating 24 hours per day seven days a week now through March 24, 2024. Earlier this year, the City operated a successful shelter for inclement weather with a similar model with its warming beds center activation, which was activated for over 20 days.

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.