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Assistance & Resources

If you have questions or need help connecting to resources, please call the Long Beach Resource Line at 562-570-INFO (4636), select option 4 and leave a message for a return call, or fill out our Resource Referral form.

In addition to the resources listed below, the People's Guide to Welfare, Health & Other Services (Spanish) has information about how residents can get food, money, housing, health care and other help from government programs and community services. 

 

  • Health & Human Services Resources

    The following Health Department services and resources are available to Long Beach residents:

    Older Adult Services

    The City is continuing to ensure that older adults have the support services and tools needed to maintain their health and well-being during the pandemic by offering a number of programs and services, including a food distribution program, conducting community outreach and education, and providing programming and services to reduce social isolation or loneliness and more.

    The City is partnering with local organizations to offer food and meal delivery aid for older adults and individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating in their homes. Individuals 60 years of age and over, those who have tested positive for COVID-19, and those with specific underlying health conditions are eligible for participation in this program. 

    • Healthy Aging Center Messaging Service: Through this messaging service, people can receive periodic updates on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic including resources, services and information specifically for older adults. 

    • Senior Links Case Management: Staffing has been expanded to provide intensive case management and referral services through the Long Beach Healthy Aging Center. As part of this expansion, telehealth services are being offered and a device lending program is in development to reduce barriers for connecting to care virtually. Anyone 55 or older living in Long Beach, who needs help to continue living safely and independently in their home, is encouraged to seek care.   

    Residents can contact the City’s Resource Line at 562.570.INFO (4636), option 4, to be connected to these resources.

    Black Health Equity Services

    Licensed behavioral health clinicians are available to provide culturally-affirming mental health and substance abuse counseling services to uninsured or underinsured Black residents during the pandemic. Other initiatives to support Black health are addressed in separate programs and include a Mental Health provider program and a Black Health Collaborative in collaboration with California State University, Long Beach. 

    Those interested in receiving mental health services can make a referral here. For more information, residents can also contact the City’s Resource Line at 562.570.INFO (4636), option 4.

    Mental Health for Children 

    Virtual play therapy and individual conseling is available for children and families. For more information, residents can contact The Guidance Center at 562.485.3085 or the City’s Resource Line at 562.570.INFO (4636), option 4.

    Domestic Violence Services 

    Trauma-resiliency-informed domestic violence services, such as behavioral and mental health counseling, emergency housing vouchers and assistance with sheltering for victims or survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence are available for residents in need of support. For more information, people can contact the City’s Resource Line at 562.570.INFO (4636), option 4.

    Infant and Toddler Supplies

    Infant care supplies, including diapers, formula, baby wipes and more are being made available at weekly distributions to support families that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All Long Beach residents with young children, as well as Long Beach-based childcare and education providers, are eligible to receive supplies. Distributions for families are scheduled each Friday and are expected to continue into the first few months of 2022. For more information, residents can contact the City’s Resource Line at 562.570.INFO (4636), option 4.

    Resource Line

    The City of Long Beach resource line is a hotline that connects all residents to knowledgeable Health Department staff who provide refferals to local services and resources that residents may need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff are trained to connect individiduals with resources including health care, mental health care, food access, housing and shelter, transportation, utilities, legal aid, children and family services, older adult services, and support for veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals who are undocumented. Residents can  contact the City’s Resource Line at 562.570.INFO (4636), option 4.

  • Children

    Infant and Toddler Supplies

    All Long Beach residents with young children, as well as Long Beach-based childcare and education providers, are eligible to receive supplies. Distributions for families will begin every Friday, starting January 2022, at the following sites, while supplies last:

    Selected Long Beach Parks: Fridays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    • Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.)
    • El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.)
    • Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
    • Ernest McBride Park & Cal Rec Community Center (1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.)
    • Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.)

    Selected Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) School Sites: Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

    • Roosevelt Elementary School (1574 Linden Ave.)

    *Note that distributions will not be held during holiday weeks.

    This effort is made avaible through the collaboration with the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services and the Long Beach Early Childhood Education Program, Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, The Nonprofit Partnership, The Mayor’s Fund for Education, LBUSD, the Salvation Army, and participating child care centers.

    Talking to children about COVID-19

    At-home learning opportunities

    • Learn about water and energy conservation and waste reduction through science-based games and curriculum from the National Children’s Theater, in partnership with Long Beach Water, Long Beach Energy Resources and Long Beach Recycles.
    • Access at-home learning and other resources for students, families, schools, and system leaders through the Emerson Collective.

    Childcare for essential workers

    WeeCare
    • WeeCare strives to make affordable, world-class daycares accessible to all families. Call 323-421-7479 or visit their website to be connected to immediate child care (often placed in 2-4 hours) throughout the state.
    • Programs are open to mixed aged children who are now “home-schooling” and infants and toddlers, whose parent(s)/caregiver(s) are essential workers and cannot be at home with them all hours.
    Children's Home Society (CHS)
    • CHS provides parents and guardians with information about child care options, provides referrals to resources available in your community, and gives referrals to licensed child care programs throughout the Greater Long Beach area. You can find referrals through their online database or by calling (562) 256-7400.
    Crystal Stairs
    • Crystal Stairs offers free customized child care referrals by telephone or online as well as child development resources to any family seeking child care within the service area. Families may also qualify for subsidized child care.
    YMCA
    • The YMCA is providing childcare for school-aged children ages 5-12 in the Greater Long Beach Area (4 locations) and Orange County (28 locations). Most locations still have space available. You do not have to live in the area in which you are seeking care.

  • Food

    Long Beach COVID-19 Food Distribution Map

    Meals and Food Pantries

    Food Finders
    • Are you in need of an immediate source of food? How about looking for some groceries for the week? If so, please use the Food Finders map or list to find a food pantry or meal distribution near you.
    • Before visiting make sure to call the location beforehand regarding meal distribution and food pantry hours. For any additional question regarding food or how to get some please call Food Finders at 562.283.1400.
    Meals on Wheels Long Beach
    • Meals on Wheels Long Beach (MOWLB) provides a service of home delivered nutritionally balanced meals for individuals who are unable to shop and cook for themselves and who live alone.
    • During the pandemic, MOWLB will continue operations with modifications to the “friendly visit” aspect of the meal deliveries. They will continue providing fresh hot dinners and cold lunches for clients, without interruption, for the immediate future. 
    • Fill out an online request here or call to sign up for meal delivery services. Individuals receive two prepared meals daily (one hot meal and one cold sandwich) for $8.25. Income-eligible individuals may qualify for free.
    Food Bank of Southern California
    • Serving the SoCal region for over 45 years, the Foodbank of Southern California consists of over 700 certified charitable community agencies that care for hungry people in need from all walks of life. Together with their counterpart, LA Regional Food Bank, they serve the region through the support of USDA and the county’s department of social services to distribute food among their member agencies.  +Visit Website
    Great Plates Delivered Older Adult Meal Program - Enrollment has Ended
    • While we are no longer able to serve you through Long Beach Great Plates, we encourage you to call 2-1-1 for assistance in enrolling in the Great Plates Delivered program through Los Angeles County. You may also call the City’s Resource Line: (562)570-INFO (4636) and select option 4 for assistance with this and other food delivery programs. Calls will be returned weekdays from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. 
    Human Services Association
    • Home-Delivered Meal Program provides frozen meals for the week by delivery once a week to eligible individuals. Apply here or over the phone.

  • Domestic Violence

    If it is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

    WomenShelter of Long Beach
    • WomenShelter of Long Beach’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline and confidential emergency supportive housing facility, Cherese’s Safe Home, will continue to operate as usual, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (562) 437-4663. If it is safer to reach out via email, contact WSLB at info@wslb.org. All services are provided at no cost and in English and Spanish.
    Su Casa
    • The Su Casa 24 Hour Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline 562-402-4888 provides callers with crisis intervention, safety assessment, and referrals to shelters and community agencies in English and Spanish. Callers in crisis are also able to call and receive confidential domestic violence support from one of the trained hotline representatives.
    Interval House
    • Interval House provides comprehensive domestic violence services in over 70 different languages to individuals and families in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Trained staff can be reached at the 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines: 562-594-4555 and 714-891-8121.
    Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)
    • LAFLA helps survivors of domestic violence with matters typically related to family law, such as restraining orders, divorce, custody, child support, and other legal issues, including immigration. LAFLA’s courthouse-based domestic violence clinic in Long Beach provides assistance with restraining orders on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m. Call 800-399-4529 extension 8097 for help.
    The LGBTQ Center Long Beach
    • The LGBTQ Center offers free confidential and supportive services for victims of domestic violence/Intimate partner violence, including crisis counseling and safety planning, individual counseling, group counseling, case management, and advocacy with law enforcement. Call 562-434-0257 for more information.
    National Domestic Violence Hotline
    • At the National Domestic Violence Hotline, highly trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone in the United States who is experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. Advocates are available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages. 

  • Health and Medical Care

    At-Home COVID Tests

    • For those with insurance, you can order up to 8 at-home COVID-19 test kits per month for free here.

    Mobile Outreach Vehicle

    • Mobile vaccination and mobile testing is being offered as a service for individuals who are not able to travel to Long Beach COVID-19 Vaccination/Testing Clinics, such as those in skilled nursing, elder care, sober living and other facilities, and older adults who cannot leave their homes. Mobile vaccination and testing will be available weekdays for Long Beach residents in an eligible tier with mobility issues and Long Beach facilities.
      • Those who are able to access the COVID -19 vaccine through their primary care provider or at an ongoing vaccination site should continue to do so. 
        • To request mobile vaccine for residents with mobility issues (in an eligible tier), complete this form or call the Public Health Info Line at (562)-570-4636 (open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
        • To request mobile testing, complete this form or call the Public Health Info Line at (562) 570-4636 (open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

  • Internet

    LOW-COST INTERNET

    Through the human-I-T Connect Program, qualified low-income households with limited budgets can subscribe to low-cost Internet offers in their area.

    • Proof of low-income status varies based on the Internet service provider.
    • If you live in a qualified zip code, you may qualify a FREE CHROMEBOOK!

    To apply for the Connect Program, see the contact information below.

    AFFORDABLE COMPUTERS

    • Through the human-I-T Equip Program, non-profits and low-income households can purchase a desktop or laptop for as low as $100.
    • All computers come with:
      • 1-year free warranty
      • 1-year of technical support
      •  Free shipping

    To apply for the Equip Program, see the contact information below.

    FREE COMPUTER LITERACY TRAINING COURSES

    • Through the human-I-T Include Program, individuals can receive a free self-paced online course on basic computer skills such as:
      • How to use a mouse
      • Keyboard basics
      • What is an operating system
      • How to use the Internet safely
      • How to create and use email

    To apply for the Equip Program, see the contact information below.

    PROGRAM FLYER

  • Mental Health

    If you are a loved one are in immediate need of emergency care, please call 9-1-1.

    City of Long Beach Mental Health Resources


    Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH)
    • LACDMH’s 24/7 Access Line at (800) 854-7771 is available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals. 
    • LACDMH offers many other free resources to help people address their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
    • Call 800-950-NAMI or text “NAMI” to 741741 (Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm) for mental health resources. For additional information, see NAMI’s COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide. 
    Crisis Support and Intervention
    • Text “SHARE” to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor, 24/7, for free, confidential support.
    • Crisis Text Line counselors are available to connect about anxiety related to the novel coronavirus, isolation, students’ concerns about school, financial stress, and other concerns.
    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    • 1-800-273-8255
    • The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
    • Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda.Cuando usted llama al número 1-888-628-9454, su llamada se dirige al centro de ayuda de nuestra red disponible más cercano.
    Pacific Asian Counseling Services
    • Pacific Asian Counseling Services provides culturally sensitive and language specific services with expertise in the immigrant Asian Pacific Islander populations. During the pandemic, they are offering telehealth and telephone services only. For more information, call (562) 424-1886
    • Mental Health America Los Angeles Integrated Services Center - Using technology, safe physical distancing practices, and protective equipment to keep staff and members safe, MHALA offers integrated services, including mental health, medical, housing, employment, wellness, and financial services.
    Long Beach Area Mental Health Resource Guide

  • Public Benefits

    Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, and Healthcare Benefits

    • All emergency food relief (CalFresh/SNAP), cash assistance (CalWORKS/TANF) and healthcare benefits (MediCal/Medicaid) applications will continue to be available online at YourBenefitsNow!
    • Applications for Medi-Cal will be accepted without proof of income documentation during the COVID-19 crisis. If you have documentation, you should provide it, but it is not mandatory at this time. This is also true for those needing to renew existing coverage – your Medi-Cal will not be cut off if you are unable to provide paperwork.
    • If you need food now, the California Department of Education has posted a list of all school districts and locations offering grab-and-go meals during the COVID-19 school closure. They’ve also created an app to help families locate meals. You can also contact your local food bank.

    No SNAP Work Requirements During Emergency!

    • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CalFresh time limit for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) has been temporarily suspended statewide beginning April 1, 2020 until further notice. During this time, ABAWDs will not be required to meet the work requirement to keep receiving CalFresh.

  • Personal Protective Equipment

    Masks for Children

    The City of Long Beach, Department of Health and Human Services is distributing 2.7 million child-sized masks to local early childhood education providers and community-based organizations. The masks were donated to the City in July 2021 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
    • Long Beach-based early childhood education providers and community-based organizations can request child-size masks using this request form, or by calling our Public Info Line at (562)-570-4636.

  • Stay Active at Home

    Rec It!

    • The staff at Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine has shared fun ways to stay active and bring recreation to the homes of Long Beach residents. Visist their Rec It web page regularly for ideas, inspirations, news, and tips on active ways to keep thriving in your own backyard!

  • Stigma

    Stop the spread of stigma

    • As COVID-19 spreads globally, so too does racism and discrimination against the Chinese and Asian community. A dizzying amount of misinformation in conjunction with preconceived prejudice has led to irrational fear. Visit Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice for more information.
    • Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things. Knowing and sharing facts can help stop stigma.

  • Stimulus Checks

    The US Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began delivering the Economic Impact Payments to millions of Americans the last week of December, 2021. For more information on the  Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, visit the IRS website.

  • Transportation

    Long Beach Transit (LBT)

    • In light of California’s Safer at Home order, LBT has implemented a modified schedule for essential transit services and to better promote the health and safety of customers and operators.

    LA Access

    • LA Access provides transportation for City of Long Beach residents with disabilities or health conditions that limit their ability to use accessible buses and trains. Eligibility is not solely based on the disability, age, or medical diagnosis. It is determined through an in-person Transit Evaluation. For more information, please contact: (562)-592-8753.

  • Unemployment Benefits

    WHAT IS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE?

Resources for specific populations

COVID-19 INFO LINE

562-570-INFO (4636)

CARES ACT

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