Public Works

Youth Shelter and Navigation Center

   

Improved pavement, doors and windows (June 2025)

Front of the building before construction (January 2024)

Building entrance (June 2025)

Original building entrance prior to renovation (January 2024)

Residence bed area (June 2025)

Residence bed area before renovation (January 2024)

Private, clean shower facility completed (June 2025)

Shower space before renovation (January 2024)

Upgraded restroom (June 2025)

Restroom before renovation (January 2024)

Storage room check-in (June 2025)

Storage room check-in before renovation (January 2024)

Storage room (June 2025)

Storage room prior to renovation (January 2024)

  

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Background

The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, located at 1718 Hayes Ave., is the City of Long Beach’s first-ever permanent shelter for youth experiencing homelessness. The center provides shelter, support services, onsite case management and other amenities for youth ages 18-24, including 12 beds, showers, restrooms, a kitchenette and lounge area in addition to daily storage for people experiencing homelessness, regardless of age, available year-round seven days a week.

The site is about one mile from the Multi-Service Center and is managed by the April Park Foundation and Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.

The center is a part of Homekey, a State of California initiative to quickly increase temporary housing available for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness throughout the state. Through the program, the State awards funding to support the purchase and repurpose of existing properties, such as hotels, motels and vacant apartment buildings, to serve as temporary housing. The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center has taken over a former Long Beach Winter Shelter site, continuing its role as a vital place for those without homes to receive support.

For more information on other projects that are a part of Homekey in Long Beach, visit the Homekey at 1725 Long Beach Blvd. and the Homekey at 5950 Long Beach Blvd. project pages.

This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

Timeline

Objectives

• Provide a safe space, shelter and critical amenities for young adults experiencing homelessness
• Offer secure, daily storage for people of all ages experiencing homelessness
• House social support services and case management onsite
• Invest in the well being and future of Long Beach youth

Project Features

• 12 shelter beds
• New kitchenette and lounge area
• Storage room
• New interior walls, doors, ceilings, windows and lighting
• Updated restrooms
• New shower rooms
• Upgraded electrical panel, HVAC system, exterior paint and finishes
• Storefront with a partial glass façade
• Sidewalk and driveway improvements in front of the building

Project Funding

The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center Project received $1.8 million in Measure A funds, $900,000 from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Prevention Program, and $1.4 million from State of California AB32 funds.

Latest Updates

June 2025

The contractor has performed substantial completion of the project as of March 2025, including a new roofing system, HVAC system, windows, showers, doors, interior ceilings and walls. The building exterior and interior paint and the restrooms have been upgraded, and improvements were made to the sidewalk and driveway. The project is in the closeout stage, with items being finalized for approval and furniture delivery and assembly scheduled to be completed.

June 2024

The construction crew mobilized late February 2024 and demolition work began on the flooring, walls, concrete slabs and removal of the HVAC systems on the rooftop. In addition, they also worked on trenching and installing plumbing for both building interior and exterior. Currently, the contractor is working on framing out interior walls, installing new ceilings, new insulation, laying out utilities rough-in and replacing the existing roof with a new roof. New HVAC systems will be installed in early July 2024 along with connections from the main water line to building fire line, and to add in the domestic water line.

January 2024

The City’s contractor is scheduled to begin construction in the area beginning January 2024, with an estimated completion, barring weather or other unforeseen delays, by Early 2025.

The contractor is scheduled to perform work Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Parking impacts for residents is not expected. Efforts will be made to minimize inconveniences and minimize construction activities during scheduled park sports activities.

The contractor encourages to keep children away from the construction areas and activities.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation throughout this project.

More Information

• 01.30.24 City of Long Beach to Begin Construction for Youth Shelter and Navigation Center Press Release