Health & Human services

City of Long Beach to Offer Free Flu Vaccinations at Community Clinics 10/3/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is offering free flu vaccinations at community clinics throughout the flu season, while supplies last. Residents are strongly encouraged to get a flu vaccine in preparation for the coming flu season, which generally runs from mid-fall to mid-spring.

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat 10/1/2024 Long Beach, CA – With warmer temperatures expected this week, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis is advising residents to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness. The National Weather Service is forecasting excessive temperatures on Wednesday, Oct. 2, with highs in the upper 90s in parts of Long Beach. Additionally, warmer temperatures will continue through the weekend with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s.

Long Beach City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Budget 9/12/2024 Long Beach, CA – On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, the Long Beach City Council voted to adopt the City of Long Beach's $3.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 25). The Adopted FY 25 Budget maintains current services while utilizing both one-time and structural resources in a strategic and fiscally prudent way that avoids adding to the General Fund structural shortfall previously projected at the start of the budget development process. These initiatives aim to shape a future where all of the city's diverse community members have a safe, clean, and healthy place to live, work and thrive

City of Long Beach Invites Community to Attend Open House for Homelessness Strategic Plan Update 9/10/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is inviting community members to attend an Open House event for the City's Homelessness Strategic Plan Update Initiative. The Open House will take place on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.) and is an opportunity for community collaboration and innovation.

Long Beach Health Department Hosts Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Community Health Needs Assessment Presentation and Roundtable 9/9/2024 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island Community Advisory Committee and Artist Team, will host a presentation of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Community Health Needs Assessment from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at the Billie Jean King Main Library

Long Beach Heat Advisory Upgraded to Heat Alert, Extends Cooling Center Hours at Multiple Locations 9/5/2024 Long Beach, CA – Due to an updated National Weather Service forecast, which now call for highs up to 102 this weekend, Dr. Anissa Davis has upgraded the previous heat advisory issued on Sept. 3 to a heat alert and has called for extended hours for cooling centers. A heat alert is issued when the weather forecast exceeds 95 degrees for two consecutive days or an overnight high of 80 degrees for two consecutive nights. Forecasted highs for Long Beach are 97 degrees today, Sept. 5, 102 on Friday, Sept. 6 and 99 on Saturday, Sept. 7. Residents are strongly encouraged take extra precautions to avoid heat exposure and heat-related illness and seek out air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours. 

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Summer Heat 9/3/2024 Long Beach, CA – With excessive temperatures this week, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis is advising residents to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid-90s in parts of Long Beach on Thursday, Sept. 5 and Friday, Sept. 6.

Long Beach’s Sidewalk to Success to Offer Free Food Carts for Eligible Vendors 8/22/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has launched the next phase of its Sidewalk to Success program and is now accepting applications for its food cart giveaway initiative for eligible sidewalk vendors. The Sidewalk to Success program, which provides assistance to achieve compliance while easing the financial burden for small businesses during the first year the City’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance is in effect, will provide up to 40 free carts to local sidewalk food vendors who meet eligibility requirements. 

City of Long Beach to Host Back-to-School Vaccination and Resource Fair 8/16/2024 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will host Superheroes Shield Up for School, a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair,from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, atthe Main Health Facility (2525 Grand Ave.).This free superhero-themed event is focused on increasing access to life-saving vaccinations, including those required for schools; the event will also raise awareness ofhealth and wellness resources available to the community.

Health Department Awarded $1 Million from California Department of Public Health for Hepatitis B Screening, Vaccination and Linkage to Care 8/15/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to enhance care around and reduce the occurrence of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) among at-risk populations throughout the city.

City of Long Beach Explores Opportunity to House Students Experiencing Homelessness Through Tiny Homes 8/5/2024 The City of Long Beach announced today that it is shifting the focus of its Tiny Homes project toward housing students experiencing homelessness. The City and Long Beach City College (LBCC) are discussing possible collaborative efforts that could provide needed shelter for some LBCC students.

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Summer Heat 8/5/2024 With excessive temperatures expected today, Monday, Aug. 5, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid-90s in parts of Long Beach.

Long Beach Youth Invited to Apply for the City’s Youth Advisory Council 7/29/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development’s Youth Advisory Council. The council, now in its third year, is a body of 11 young people who help ensure authentic youth-led engagement in the design, oversight and implementation of the Youth and Emerging Adults Strategic Plan, the Measure US Youth Fund, annual Youth Summit and other systems of positive youth development.

City of Long Beach Seeks Donations to Support People Experiencing Homelessness During Warm Summer Months 7/18/2024 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s ongoing commitment to support people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, the City will offer its 12th charitable giving opportunity for community members who wish to make a material difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. 

Long Beach’s Multi-Service Center Selected as Site for Pet Food Pantry 7/12/2024 Long Beach, CA – Today, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) announced a new pet food pantry, sponsored by Project Street Vet, a nonprofit serving pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness, and Kismet, a new pet brand co-founded by entertainers and entrepreneurs John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. Legend was on site to celebrate the opening, with Kismet donating over 2,500 pounds of food and treats for dogs to the Project Street Vet initiative. 

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Summer Heat 7/9/2024 Long Beach, CA – With excessive temperatures this week, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid-90s in parts of Long Beach today, July 9, through Thursday, July 11.

Long Beach Health Department to Support Safe and Healthy Summer Activities by Providing $67,000 to 27 Nonprofit Partners 7/3/2024 Long Beach, CA - As part of the City of Long Beach's S.T.R.O.N.G. Beach effort, part of the City's Summer of Opportunity initiative, the Health Department Advancing Peace Initiative will award approximately $67,000 to 27 organizations.

City of Long Beach Announces Early Childhood Development Workshop Series for Families and Caregivers 6/14/2024 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Long Beach Public Library, has launched another round of the Parent Informational Workshop series.

City Provides Tips to Prevent the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases 6/12/2024 Long Beach, CA – As the start of the summer season approaches, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages everyone to do their part to control mosquitoes. City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis advises that residents should follow the precautions described below to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.

Office of Youth Development Announces Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) Long Beach 2024 Awardees 6/11/2024 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership, Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, and California State University of Long Beach Department of Geography, will award $400,000 to nine organizations selected by youth as part of the second year of the citywide youth participatory budgeting project.

City of Long Beach Awards $811,000 for Health Equity Community Projects 5/22/2024 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has awarded $811,000 in grants to 14 organizations to implement Health Equity Community Projects. The projects focus on addressing systemic barriers that have led to poor health outcomes in historically underserved communities during the pandemic.

City of Long Beach Announces Homelessness Strategic Plan Update Initiative 5/17/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach announced today its Homelessness Strategic Plan Update Initiative, a major milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and housing insecurity in Long Beach. As part of the initiative, a five-year strategic plan, with an expected release in November 2024, will be developed to address the root causes of homelessness in Long Beach, improve the City’s service system assisting people out of homelessness, and further prevent people from falling into homelessness. Residents, business owners and stakeholders are invited to participate and get involved in the strategic planning process.

Long Beach Commemorates Memorial Day with Sunset Ceremony 5/15/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Veterans Support will host the 2024 Honoring Our Heroes – A Sunset Ceremony, on Sunday, May 26, to commemorate Memorial Day. This free, family-friendly event will honor military service members who have died, with several local historical, veteran-led and veteran-supporting organizations represented. 

Long Beach Health Department Launches New Dashboard Featuring Community Crisis Response Data 5/14/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched a new data dashboard for the Community Crisis Response (CCR) team, a five-person team that responds to a subset of calls-for-service to provide mental health support, health education and resource navigation for community members in need. The dashboard, which will be updated bi-weekly, hosts information about the amount, types and outcomes of the calls for service the CCR is dispatched to and will serve as a platform for providing interactive and timely information to the public.  

Long Beach Reports First Decrease in Homelessness Since 2017 5/8/2024 Long Beach, CA – Findings of the 2024 Homeless Point in Time Count reveal that Long Beach identified 3,376 people experiencing homelessness in January 2024, compared with 3,447 people in 2023. This number signifies a 2.1% decrease from last year—the first time the City has reported an overall decrease in homelessness since 2017.

City of Long Beach Launches Sensory Area for Everyone Vehicle 5/3/2024 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Kulture City, has launched a new mobile sensory service, the Sensory Area for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) vehicle.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding Public Health Emergency in Response to Local Tuberculosis Outbreak; Risk to Population at Large Remains Low 5/2/2024 Today, May 2, 2024, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis declared a local public health emergency to strengthen the City’s preparedness and ability to respond to a localized tuberculosis (TB) outbreak. This declaration will be considered for ratification by the Long Beach City Council on Tuesday, May 7.

24th Annual KJLH Women’s Health Expo Celebrates 35 Years of Black Infant Health Program 4/25/2024 Long Beach, CA – The KJLH Women’s Health Expo, one of the largest health events for women in Southern California, will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E Ocean Blvd.). The annual event will be sponsored by the Black Infant Health Program (BIH) Long Beach/Fresno. This year’s Expo will highlight the BIH Program’s significant 35-year milestone of unwavering commitment to providing culturally affirming services to Black women, birthing persons and their families across California. 

Office of Youth Development Announces Voting Phase of Youth Power Participatory Budgeting Long Beach 4/19/2024 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Office of Youth Development is announcing voting sites for the Youth Power PB Long Beach participatory budget process.

City of Long Beach Announces Inaugural Youth Day in the LBC for People Ages 13 to 26 4/11/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development announces Youth Day in the LBC, an exciting new event that will bring together youth ages 13 to 26 and empower them to connect around youth advocacy and youth resources. 

City to Host Annual Celebration of the Young Child in Downtown Long Beach 4/8/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will host the fifth annual Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Downtown Long Beach. This free event provides hands-on activities and showcases vendors who provide services and resources for children up to 8 years old. 

City of Long Beach Announces the Launch of Futures First Initiative for Opportunity Youth Ages 16 to 24 3/26/2024 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Office of Youth Development and the Department of Economic Development Workforce Development Bureau, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, in partnership with the April Parker Foundation, is launching the Futures First initiative.

City of Long Beach Begins Construction for Project Homekey at 5950 Long Beach Blvd. 3/26/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach today celebrated the beginning of renovations for its forthcoming new interim shelter, Project Homekey at 5950 Long Beach Blvd. This $6.5 million construction project will add to the City’s suite of temporary housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness. 

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 3/23/2024 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

City Celebrates Long Beach Walk to School Week 3/18/2024 The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) invites school-aged children and their families to participate in Long Beach Walk to School Week,taking place starting today, March 18 through March 22. Long Beach Walk to School Week emphasizes the importance of increasing physical activity,pedestrian safety, and relieving traffic congestion near school zones.

City of Long Beach Now Accepting Nominations for Veterans Banner Program 3/8/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is accepting nominations for the first-ever Long Beach Honors Veterans banner program. The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Veterans Support and the Long Beach Veterans Commission will oversee the administration of up to 25 banners to be displayed across the city for one year be ginning in May 2024.

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 3/2/2024 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Health Department Launches Substance Use Harm Reduction Program 2/20/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched a new program that provides resources and supplies to Long Beach residents so that those who use drugs can minimize their risk of possible serious or deadly outcomes. This is part of a strategy called harm reduction—a set of practical strategies and ideas that aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with substance use. 

Long Beach Health Department Launches Brush, Book, Bed to Promote Healthy Dental Habits for Children 2/20/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched the Brush, Book, Bed campaign, which encourages children to build routines that establish good dental health habits, combining oral health, literacy and an appropriate bedtime.

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 2/19/2024 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

City of Long Beach Lifts Beach Closure Order 2/16/2024 City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has lifted the closure order on all beaches, including coastal beaches and bays, which includes lagoons, after consecutive lab results demonstrated the water to be within State water quality standards.

All Swimming Areas Temporarily Closed Due to Sewage Spill 2/5/2024 Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all recreational swimming areas temporarily closed for water contact due to two separate sewage spills that occurred earlier today. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements. 

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Centers to Continue Homeless Services Outreach Throughout February 2/5/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Centers (MAC) in select Long Beach areas weekdays throughout February. The MAC vehicles significantly lower barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street.

Some Long Beach Swimming Areas Temporarily Closed Due to Sewage Spill 2/2/2024 Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all recreational swimming areas at or near Colorado Lagoon and Alamitos Bay in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to sewage spills. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 2/1/2024 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

City of Long Beach to Begin Construction for Youth Shelter & Navigation Center 1/30/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach today celebrated the beginning of renovations for its forthcoming Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, the City’s first-ever permanent shelter facility for youth experiencing homelessness, that will offer temporary shelter and supportive services for youth ages 18 to 24. This $4.1 million project will add to the City’s suite of temporary housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness.

Health Department Vital Records Program Announces Expanded Services 1/29/2024 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has expanded its services to offer authorized copies of birth and death certificates for births and deaths that occurred in Long Beach within the past five years. Prior to 2024, the department was only able to provide records for events that occurred within the past year. The expanded services will help meet demand and provide better customer service for people seeking records in Long Beach.  

Long Beach Health Department Launches New Dashboard Featuring Local HIV Data 1/25/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched a new data dashboard displaying local HIV data regarding people who are newly diagnosed with HIV or currently living with HIV, as well as data regarding people with HIV who died in Long Beach. The dashboard, which will be updated quarterly, will serve as a platform for providing interactive and timely information to the public.  

Community Crisis Response Team Expands to Downtown Long Beach 1/24/2024 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is expanding the service area for its Community Crisis Response (CCR) team, a three-person team that responds to a subset of calls-for-service where mental health support, health education and resource navigation could support the safety and health outcomes for community members at the center of calls. The team, which launched its pilot program in July 2023, currently serves West Long Beach. By expanding its service area to include Downtown, CCR will be able to support more of the community while improving safety and quality of life in the Downtown area.  

Office of Youth Development Announces Second Year of Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) in Long Beach 1/22/2024 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development, in partnership with the Nonprofit Partnership and Invest in Youth Coalition, anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, has announced the second year of Youth Power PB Long Beach, a participatory budgeting process where youth vote on how to spend public dollars on youth projects.

City of Long Beach Announces Launch of a New Parent Information Workshop Series for Families and Caregivers 1/22/2024 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) and the Long Beach Public Library (Library) are partnering on a new series of parent education workshops. The workshops, focused on parents of children from 0 to 5 years old, will cover a variey of topics, including special education, early start intervention and mental health and will be taught by local experts who specialize in various fields of early childhood. The initiative aims to ensure Long Beach families experiencing developmental concerns about their child are connected to services in a timely manner.

City of Long Beach Preparing for Inclement Weather Systems, Issues Advisory for Residents and Visitors 1/20/2024 The National Weather Service has forecasted a series of inclement weather systems for the Los Angeles/Long Beach area starting today, Saturday, Jan. 20, into Monday, Jan. 22, that are expected to bring significant rain and wind throughout Long Beach. The City of Long Beach is implementing its inclement weather action plans and will be monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur. 

Long Beach Health Department Investigates Possible Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters 1/19/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is investigating gastrointestinal illnesses, likely caused by norovirus, linked to consumption of raw oysters from certain areas of Mexico. At this time, the City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, is warning consumers not to eat raw oysters from certain areas of Mexico. For the latest oyster warnings, including area-specific information in Mexico, people can go to the Alerts, Advisories and Safety Information page of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. These oysters have been sold at local restaurants, including those in Long Beach and other retail outlets in Southern California. Residents who think they have become sick after eating raw oysters are encouraged to file a report. People also may call 562.570.7907 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to report illness or to get more information.

City Seeks Partner to Operate a Mobile Healthy Food Market in Long Beach 1/10/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking a partner to implement and operate a Mobile Healthy Food Market in Long Beach. The goal of the Mobile Healthy Food Market is to increase access to affordable fresh produce in neighborhoods defined as having poor food access as well as increase opportunities for residents to be connected to other services and resources that address the social determinants of health and improve health outcomes. This re-release of a previous RFP now requires that the selected vendor will be required to procure and/or retrofit an existing vehicle to turn it into a Mobile Healthy Food Market. This will allow for more flexibility and a faster startup.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Centers to Continue Homeless Services Outreach Throughout January 1/3/2024 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Centers (MAC) in select Long Beach areas weekdays throughout January, with new service locations in the Downtown area. The MAC vehicles significantly lower barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street.

City of Long Beach Extends Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 1/3/2024 Following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours, Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has extended the rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 12/30/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 12/20/2023 Long Beach, CA – Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the recent rainfall. 

Long Beach’s Multi-Service Center Serving as City’s Inclement Weather Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness This Winter 12/18/2023 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. 

Long Beach Health Department Awarded $326,477 from California Office of Traffic Safety to Promote Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety 12/14/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services announced today it has received a $326,477 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

City of Long Beach Encourages Residents to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season 12/13/2023 The holiday season is a time for joyous celebrations, beloved traditions, and long-awaited gatherings with family and friends. While everyone should experience the joy and warmth of holiday festivities, safety should always remain a priority. No matter how you celebrate, the City of Long Beach is offering the following tips to ensure an enjoyable, safe and hazard-free holiday season for all.

Long Beach Pledge Guaranteed Income Pilot Program to Expand with Second Cohort 12/7/2023 Long Beach, CA – This January, the City of Long Beach will open applications to expand its guaranteed income pilot program, known as the Long Beach Pledge, to include a second cohort of 200 additionally funded households. This expansion will be available to households with children living under the federal poverty level in five Long Beach zip codes. Those selected for the Long Beach Pledge will receive $500 a month for 12 months. 

City of Long Beach Announces Fifth Annual Celebration of the Young Child 12/5/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach’s Celebration of the Young Child will return to the Billie Jean King Main Library on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event, a collaboration between the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, the Long Beach Public Library, and the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include entertainment and activities in addition to a resource fair. Parents, families and caregivers who care for children 8 years old or younger are encouraged to attend.

Long Beach Health Department Awarded Grant to Expand Drug-impaired Driving Prevention Program 12/5/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded a $285,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to educate the community about responsible cannabis use and reduce drug-impaired driving related collisions.

Long Beach Health Department Awarded Grant to Expand Distracted Driving Prevention Program 12/4/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded a $215,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reduce distracted driving related collisions.

Long Beach Launches ‘Season of Giving’ Donation Series to Support People Experiencing Homelessness During the Fall and Winter Seasons 11/21/2023 The City of Long Beach is launching its “Season of Giving” donation series to encourage the local community to make someone’s holiday season bright by volunteering their time or contributing physical or monetary donations to support people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Donations received during “Season of Giving” will help support the City’s ongoing efforts in providing critical, everyday essentials for people experiencing homelessness. Items will be distributed throughout the holiday and winter seasons. 

Long Beach’s Emergency Shelter Transitions to Winter Shelter Operations 11/20/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach’s Emergency Shelter, located at 702 W. Anaheim St., has transitioned to Winter Shelter operations, expanding its nightly occupancy from 85 to up to 125 people. The Winter Shelter shields people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather and provides shelter, food, safety and services during the coldest time of the year.  

Long Beach Health Department Confirms Human Case of St. Louis Encephalitis 11/9/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed a case of St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEV). This is the first documented human case of SLEV in Long Beach since 1984. The risk of local exposure remains low, and the Health Department is taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus that causes SLEV. The person who was infected was hospitalized but is now recovering at home. No other suspected cases have been identified. As of Nov. 3, 2023, 12 human cases of SLEV have been reported in California this year. The Health Department is educating healthcare providers and working with local vector control agencies to monitor the situation.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout November 11/9/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach continues to deploy its Mobile Access Centers (MAC) in select Long Beach areas weekdays throughout November, with an added location Downtown, and additional locations forthcoming. The MAC vehicles significantly lower barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street.

Long Beach Health Department Awarded $150,000 to Address COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Adults 11/1/2023 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services(Health Department)is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant of $150,000 by the National Association of County and City Officials (NACCHO) for the Partnering for Vaccine Equity (PAVE) project.

Long Beach Health Department Confirms Case of Locally Acquired Dengue 11/1/2023 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has confirmed a case of dengue in a resident who has not traveled outside of the U.S. This is the first case of dengue in Long Beach not related to travel and only the second in California, the first of which was identified earlier this month in Pasadena. The risk of local exposure remains low, and the Health Department is taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus that causes dengue. The person who was infected has recovered at home and no other suspected cases have been identified. The Health Department is carefully monitoring the situation and has educated healthcare providers on the symptoms of dengue.

City Extends Operations for Safe Parking Program, Relocates Site Close to Multi-Service Center 10/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has extended its Safe Parking Program and relocated the operating site to a larger, medium-term location near the City’s Multi-Service Center (MSC). The Safe Parking Program provides a safe, dignified environment for people living in their vehicles to park overnight while also being connected to supportive services and temporary or permanent housing. 

Long Beach Health Department Launches Produce to Market Project 10/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division has launched the Produce to Market project, which will expand access to healthy, affordable and culturally relevant produce for the community. This program builds on the successes of the Long Beach Healthy Market Partnership program. 

Long Beach Health Department to Host Food Safety Workshop 10/25/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' Environmental Health Bureau is hosting a food safety workshop inviting business owners, entrepreneurs and all interested in operating a food business at community events or certified farmers' markets.

Long Beach Seeks Volunteers for 2024 Homeless Point in Time Count 10/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is seeking 300 community volunteers to help conduct the 2024 Point in Time Count, its street count of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, which will take place on Jan. 25, 2024. 

Long Beach Recognizes National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2023 10/24/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is recognizing National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, taking place Oct. 22 to 28, 2023, with a weeklong campaign educating the community about the dangers of lead and how to reduce childhood exposure to lead through increased lead poisoning prevention awareness. This year’s campaign theme is: “Protect your family from all sources of lead air pollution, including aircraft and shooting ranges.” Long Beach CLPPP’s campaign features social media posts, citywide lead testing advertisements, training for City Code Enforcement and Building Inspector professionals, and provider outreach.

Alison King Appointed as Acting Director of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services 10/24/2023 Long Beach, CA - Today, City Manager Tom Modica announced the appointment of Alison King as the Acting Director for the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), effective Oct. 28, 2023.

Long Beach to Host ‘Tiny Homes’ Virtual Community Meeting on October 30 10/20/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) invites community members to participate in an upcoming virtual community meeting where they can learn about the Tiny Modular Shelter project, or “Tiny Homes,” the City’s next variation of interim housing options for people experiencing homelessness.

Long Beach Health Department Offering Free Flu Vaccinations at City’s Mobile Access Centers and Multi-Service Center 10/20/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is offering free flu vaccinations for people experiencing homelessness, available at Mobile Access Center (MAC) locations and the Multi-Service Center (MSC) on select dates over the coming weeks. This is part of the City's ongoing effort to offer more accessible public health services for people experiencing homelessness, who are inherently at higher risk of developing more severe complications from the flu.

City Seeks Partner to Operate a Mobile Healthy Food Market in Long Beach 10/19/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking a partner to implement and operate a Mobile Healthy Food Market (MHFM) in Long Beach. The goal of the MHFM is to increase access to affordable fresh produce in neighborhoods defined as having poor food access as well as increase opportunities for residents to be connected to other services and resources that address the social determinants of health and improve health outcomes. The City of Long Beach will be procuring and building out a vehicle designed to operate as a MHFM. 

Long Beach Health Department Hosts Filipino Community Health Needs Assessment Presentation and Roundtable 10/17/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services will host a presentation of the Filipino Community Needs Health Assessment from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.).

Long Beach Hosting Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, October 21, to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 10/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will host its eighth consecutive monthly donation drive thru event on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center (2525 Grand Ave.). Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute. 

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center to Temporarily Pause Operations on Wednesday, September 27 9/26/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach's Mobile Access Center, which provides access to case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, will temporarily pause operations on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, due to staff training.

Long Beach Health Department Now Administering COVID-19 Vaccine to Uninsured and Underinsured Only 9/22/2023 Long Beach, CA - Effective immediately, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine only to people who are un- or underinsured. While vaccine is available to most U.S. adults through private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans, there are still 25 to 30 million adults without health insurance and additional adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. The City is adjusting its vaccine operations to align with the CDC's Bridge Access Program.

City of Long Beach Announces Departure of Health and Human Services Department Director Kelly Colopy 9/19/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach announced today the upcoming departure of Kelly Colopy, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department). Ms. Colopy, who has served as the Health Department Director since 2013, has been appointed Director for the Department of Human Services for Salt Lake County, Utah.

Long Beach Increases Homeless Service Outreach with Deployment of Second Mobile Access Center and Additional Service Locations 9/18/2023 The City of Long Beach launched its second Mobile Access Center (MAC) today, Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. The MAC significantly lowers barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street. The deployment of the second MAC will double the number service areas throughout Long Beach, from eight to 16, available weekday mornings and afternoons during select times.

Long Beach Launches Interactive Digital Timeline Showcasing Local Homelessness Emergency Response Efforts 9/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has launched an interactive digital timeline of its emergency response efforts, offering a visual representation of the City’s actions taken under its emergency proclamation to address homelessness. The visual timeline supports one of the established goals of the emergency, “engaging the community in data, planning and assistance.”

Long Beach Hosting Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, September 23, to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 9/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the City of Long Beach will host its seventh donation drive thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout September 9/8/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select Long Beach areas weekdays throughout September. The MAC significantly lowers barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street.

Long Beach Health Department Hosts Series of Reentry Symposia in September 9/8/2023 Long Beach, CA – This September, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Reentry Advisory Council will host Re-envisioning Reentry in Long Beach 2023, a series of symposia focused on the issues and challenges faced by community members after being released from jail or prison. 

Long Beach Health Department Launches New Program to Equitably Distribute Drink Safety Test Kits 9/5/2023 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched SipSafe Long Beach, a new initiative that promotes public safety by distributing drink safety test kits that detect illegal substances in beverages. The Health Department has acquired the drink safety testing kits and will implement a comprehensive approach to equitably distribute them to requesting businesses and organizations throughout the city.

Office of Youth Development Announces Recipients of Measure US Youth 100 Fund and Intergenerational Grant Funding for Summer Projects 9/5/2023 The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership, has awarded $600,000 to 59 youth-serving summer projects throughout Long Beach this summer. Fifty-five small projects were funded through the Youth 100 Fund process, which provides mini-grants to formal and informal community groups implementing youth neighborhood engagement opportunities. An additional four projects, which are larger in scope, were funded through Intergenerational Youth Development Grants, which focus on programming for youth and their parents, caregivers and/or adult allies.

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat 8/28/2023 Long Beach, CA – With excessive temperatures this week, City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid to high 90s in parts of Long Beach today, Aug. 28, and tomorrow, Aug. 29.

Long Beach Hosting Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, August 26 to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 8/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the City of Long Beach will host its sixth donation drive thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

Community Invited to Participate in Youth-led Tours of Long Beach’s North, West and Washington Neighborhoods 8/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – For the second year, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Youth Development, in partnership with the Youth Leadership Institute, will host the My Hood, My City program’s youth-led neighborhood tours in the North, West and Washington neighborhoods in late August and early September. The tours will be the concluding event to the summer program, where participating youth will lead an in-person walk of their neighborhoods focused on raising awareness of its cultural and structural makeup.

City of Long Beach Launches Second Round of Request for Proposals for Health Equity Community Projects 8/24/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is launching a second round of Request for Proposals (RFP) to partner with community organizations to implement programs that address the systemic barriers and racism that created the inequitable differences seen locally throughout the pandemic and address the impacts of COVID-19 in the most at-risk, historically underserved and under-resourced communities in Long Beach.

City of Long Beach Awarded $5.3 Million from State of California in Encampment Resolution Funding to Address Key Areas of Need in Downtown 8/23/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has been awarded $5.3 million in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) from the State of California. The funding will provide much needed additional attention and focus in parts of Downtown Long Beach with a high level of need. City Outreach staff, through focused and respectful outreach, will provide services to people experiencing homelessness in the area with the addition of immediate interim and emergency shelter options and the goal of transitioning to safe and stable permanent housing.

Long Beach Homelessness Text Alert Program Now Includes Spanish Notifications 8/22/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach’s Homelessness Text Alert Program, which provides text notifications about services and resources available for people experiencing homelessness, is now offering notifications in Spanish. People interested in receiving text notifications in Spanish can text keyword “HOGAR” to 99411.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding the Mobilization of Temporary Emergency Shelter Space to Support People Leaving Catalina Island to Seek Shelter and Support 8/19/2023 Long Beach, CA - In response to Hurricane Hilary, the Category 3 storm moving toward California, residents of Catalina Island are being advised to leave the island as a precaution. To assist Avalon, the City of Long Beach will open a temporary shelter to support people who have left the island and do not have any other shelter plans during this unprecedented weather event.

City of Long Beach Modifies Operations at Two City-Run Testing and Vaccination Clinics in Preparation for Hurricane Hilary 8/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – In preparation for the severe weather system expected to affect Long Beach and the surrounding areas on Sunday, Aug. 20, and Monday, Aug. 21, as a result of Hurricane Hilary, the City of Long Beach will modify its City-run testing and vaccination clinics at two locations. 

Long Beach Temporarily Increases Shelter Operations for People Experiencing Homelessness in Anticipation of Local Severe Weather Systems Due to Hurricane Hilary 8/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – As the City of Long Beach prepares for a significant weather system resulting from Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to bring significant rain and wind throughout Long Beach, the Homeless Services Bureau is temporarily increasing shelter services and outreach for people experiencing homelessness.

City of Long Beach Seeks to Mass Distribute Water to People Experiencing Homelessness, Donating Water to Local Community Based Organizations to Further Efforts 8/14/2023 Long Beach, CA - In an ongoing effort to increase access to clean water and other essentials for people experiencing homelessness, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' Homeless Services Bureau is offering cases of water to local community-based organizations and advocates supporting people experiencing homelessness. 

City of Long Beach Launches Community Crisis Response Team 8/7/2023 Today, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) announced the launch of its Community Crisis Response Team. The five-person team will respond to a subset of calls-for-service where mental health support, health education and resource navigation could support the safety and health outcomes for community members at the center of calls.

Long Beach Health Department to Host Summer Youth Exhibition July 27 7/25/2023 Long Beach, CA – To wrap-up its 2023 Healthy Long Beach Youth Summer Program, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Tobacco Education and Prevention and Green Light LB programs, in collaboration with community partners and local youth, will host the Healthy Long Beach Youth Summer Exhibition. The exhibition will take place on Thursday, July 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center (6335 Myrtle Ave.) at Houghton Park. 

Long Beach to Host Fifth Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, July 29 7/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Long Beach will host its fifth donation drive thru to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute. 

City of Long Beach Now Accepting Applications for New Lived Experience Advisory Board 7/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is recruiting residents who are currently or were previously experiencing homelessness to participate in the new Lived Experience Advisory Board, a paid committee that will provide valuable feedback on homeless services in Long Beach. Applications are available now and will remain open until the 11 committee spots are filled.

Long Beach Health Department to Host Prep for Pride Tuesday, July 18 7/17/2023 Long Beach, CA - As the Long Beach community gears up for Pride celebrations taking place next month, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging everyone to complete their mpox vaccination series for maximum protection. The Health Department will host Prep for Pride! on Tuesday, July 18, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.).

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout July 6/30/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas weekdays throughout July. The MAC significantly lowers barriers to providing case management services and other resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it allows the City’s Homeless Services Bureau outreach staff to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building and start the intake process right on the street. 

Office of Youth Development Announces Youth Power PB (Participatory Budgeting) Long Beach Awardees 6/28/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Office of Youth Development, in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership and Invest in Youth Coalition anchored by Khmer Girls in Action, will award $300,000 to seven organizations selected by youth as part of a participatory budgeting pilot project.

Long Beach to Host Fourth Donation Drive Thru Event Saturday, June 24 6/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Long Beach will host its fourth donation drive thru event, as part of a monthly series, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute. 

Long Beach Receives Excellent Dry Season Grades in 2022-2023 Beach Report Card 6/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has received high recreational water quality grades from Heal the Bay for 2022-2023, with 93% percent of its beaches receiving A or B grades for the dry summer months, according to the Annual Beach Report Card that was released on June 14, 2023. Long Beach has seen sustained improvements in water quality over the past decade. 

City of Long Beach Extends Overnight Safe Parking Program South of Downtown Through 2023 6/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – Following the success of the Safe Parking Program just south of Downtown, the City of Long Beach will continue emergency operations of its Safe Parking Program with a temporary site in the area through 2023 while the City also seeks a location for a permanent site. The City's Safe Parking Program provides a safe, dignified environment for people currently sheltering in their vehicles to park overnight while receiving access to basic needs and being connected to services.

Long Beach City Council Approves City’s Acquisition of Long Beach Rescue Mission Property to Serve as Permanent, Year-Round Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness 6/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – At the June 13, 2023, meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved with a 9 to 0 vote the authorization for the purchase of property, located at 702 W. Anaheim St. and currently owned by the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Inc., to be utilized by the City of Long Beach as a permanent, year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness. This acquisition comes in response to the City’s local homelessness emergency proclamation and expanded efforts to increase access to interim housing, services and connections to permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach.

Long Beach Housing Authority Awarded 79 Stability Housing Vouchers to Connect People Experiencing or At Risk of Homelessness to Permanent Housing 6/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, located within the Department of Health and Human Services, recently received 79 Stability Housing Vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On April 17, 2023, HUD announced Long Beach as one of eight Continuum of Care communities in California to receive Stability Housing Vouchers, which will be utilized to connect even more qualifying individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness to permanent housing. 

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center Continues Homeless Services Outreach Throughout June 6/10/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is continuing deployment of its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas throughout June, conducting outreach in similar areas as the month of May so that Homeless Services Bureau staff can continue to conduct meaningful engagement and relationship building, an essential component in increasing access to resources and services. The June MAC schedule also includes new locations in the Belmont Shore and East Village areas.

Long Beach City Council to Discuss Acquisition of Long Beach Rescue Mission Property to Serve as Permanent, Year-Round Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness 6/9/2023 Long Beach, CA – During the June 13, 2023, meeting, the Long Beach City Council will discuss and vote on the authorization for the purchase of property located at 702 W. Anaheim Street currently owned by the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Inc. that, if acquired by the City, will be utilized as a permanent, year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness. 

23rd Annual KJLH Women’s Health Expo Returns to Long Beach 6/8/2023 Long Beach, CA – The KJLH Women’s Health Expo, one of the largest health events for women in Southern California, will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The Expo is presented by the Black Infant Health Program (BIH) Long Beach/Fresno as title sponsor. The theme of this year’s event is “H.E.R. - Healthy, Empowered, Remarkable” and over 10,000 women are expected to attend.

Long Beach Temporarily Closes Open Swimming Areas Along Coastal Beaches Due to Sewage Spill 6/6/2023 Long Beach, CA – Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, has ordered all open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

Long Beach Advancing Peace Hosts Leaders of Violence Prevention Symposium 6/2/2023 Long Beach, CA – In honor or National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ (Health Department) program Long Beach Advancing Peace will host Leaders of Violence Prevention Community Symposium, addressing violence prevention efforts, best practices and challenges.

Long Beach Health Department Provides Safety Tips on Controlling Mosquitos 5/30/2023 Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and mosquito season, and the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) encourages everyone to do their part to control mosquitos.

City of Long Beach to Increase Access to Sexual Health Resources 5/30/2023 The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has launched a new condom distribution program that provides free condoms and lubricants to promote sexual health and reduce HIV/STI infections. The program aims to increase the availability, accessibility and acceptability of condoms.

Youth Invited to Apply for Long Beach’s Youth Advisory Council 5/26/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is now accepting applications for the Office of Youth Development's second iteration of the Youth Advisory Council.

My Hood, My City to Return for Second Year 5/25/2023 Long Beach, CA - Following the success of last year's youth-led neighborhood tours, the City of Long Beach, in partnership with Youth Leadership Institute, will host a new series of tours this summer.

Long Beach to Host Third Drive Thru Donation Event Saturday, May 27, to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 5/23/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Long Beach will host its third donation drive thru event as part of a monthly series, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness. The event will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

City of Long Beach Seeks Community Partners to Expand Safe Passage Program 5/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking to partner with three qualified organizations to support the expansion of its existing Safe Passage Program and increase the safety of youth walking to and from school in North, West and Central Long Beach.

Long Beach Now Offering Evening Mental Health Therapy Programming to People Experiencing Homelessness 5/12/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Homeless Services Bureau is now offering evening mental health therapy programming for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, including those who are unsheltered and those staying in congregate or non-congregate shelters in Long Beach. This new offering is in addition to existing mental health services currently offered during business hours and includes scheduled 45-minute phone therapy sessions, available weekday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Long Beach to Host Sunset Ceremony Commemorating Memorial Day 5/11/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Office of Veterans Support, which is part of the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, will host a free, family-friendly community event on Sunday, May 28 to commemorate Memorial Day.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding the Shooting of Two Children in Long Beach 5/10/2023 At approximately 11:32 p.m. yesterday, May 9, two youth from our community were shot on the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue in Long Beach. This horrific event resulted in the injury of a 14-year-old girl and the death of a 12-year-old boy, Eric Gregory Brown III, of Long Beach. A third victim, a 13-year-old girl, was not physically injured. The City of Long Beach condemns this senseless murder and sends heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the murder victim as well as the other two young victims.

City of Long Beach Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 5/4/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Long Beach to Host Healing Through Community Resource Fair 5/1/2023 The City of Long Beach invites Long Beach families and community members to the Healing Through Community Resource Fair on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.). This free event is hosted by the Long Beach Health Department in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. The resource fair, part of the City’s Mental Health Matters Awareness Campaign, will be a joint celebration for Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center to Continue Homeless Services Outreach Throughout May 4/28/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas throughout May. Additionally starting in May, the MAC will be deployed during the afternoon on select days to allow outreach staff to engage with more individuals and follow up with existing clients. 

City of Long Beach Opens Temporary Emergency Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness 4/28/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has opened a temporary emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The new emergency shelter opened on April 27 and holds more than 85 beds, offers a variety of onsite amenities and access to services, and will serve as a critical resource moving forward after the Community Hospital Winter Shelter concludes operations today, per the lease agreement.  

Long Beach Releases Results of the 2023 Homeless Point in Time Count 4/27/2023 Findings of the 2023 Homeless Point in Time Count reveal that Long Beach identified 3,447people experiencing homelessness in January 2023, compared with 3,296 people in 2022. This number signifies a 4.6% increase from last year, the smallest increase Long Beachhas reportedsince 2019.For reference, homelessness increased 7% from 2019 to 2020, and increased from 62% from 2020 to 2022 (the 2021 Count was canceled due to the pandemic).

Long Beach Open Coastal Beaches Temporary Closed Due to Sewage Spill 4/20/2023

Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, ordered all open coastal swimming areas in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill.  State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

City of Long Beach Invites Community to Attend Fifth Annual Celebration of the Young Child Event 4/19/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will host its fifth annual Celebration of the Young Child, a free annual event to showcase City departments, nonprofit organizations and vendors who provide services and resources for young children and their families and caregivers in a fun and exciting way. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Billie Jean King Main Library.

Long Beach to Receive $5.2 Million in Grants to Support Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Housing Opportunities for People Experiencing Homelessness 4/19/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services will receive $5.2 million in grants over a three-year period from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding will be utilized to support the City's rapid rehousing and permanent housing efforts for people experiencing homelessness.

City of Long Beach to Open a Temporary Emergency Shelter with 85+ Beds for People Experiencing Homelessness 4/18/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will open a temporary emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness at the end of April. The new emergency shelter, located at 702 W. Anaheim St., will have space for more than 85 beds and will serve as a critical resource for people experiencing homelessness after the Community Hospital Winter Shelter concludes operations at the end of April, per the lease agreement. People who are currently sheltering at the Community Hospital site will receive priority to receive placement at the emergency shelter.

Long Beach to Host Second Drive Thru Donation Event on Saturday, April 29 4/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – Later this month, the City of Long Beach will host another donation drive thru event, its second in a series of monthly events, to collect essential items to distribute to people experiencing homelessness. The event will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Main Facilities Center, located at 2525 Grand Ave. Donations received during the event will be distributed at the Multi-Service Center to people experiencing homelessness and will also be available to local partner organizations to distribute.

Health Department Receives $100,000 to Increase Inclusivity within Public Health Preparedness Planning and Response 4/12/2023 Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Emergency Management Division has secured funding from two grants totaling $100,000 from the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

*UPDATED* City of Long Beach to Open Sanitation and Water-Filling Site for People Sheltering in Recreational Vehicles Beginning Monday, April 10 4/6/2023 Starting Monday, April 10, the City of Long Beach will open its sanitation and water filling site, for people experiencing homelessness and living in recreational vehicles (RVs). The site offers sanitation dump stations, allowing people living in RVs to properly dispose of sewage, and also provides water filling stations.

Long Beach Health Department Invites Community to Participate in First Annual Long Beach Walk to Play Day 4/5/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Walk and Roll Long Beach Program will host the first annual Long Beach Walk to Play Day as part of the City’s Active Transportation Program-funded Downtown Walkable Corners project. To encourage residents to choose non-motorized forms of transportation such as walking, biking or rolling, Long Beach Walk to Play Day, taking place Saturday, April 8, will highlight parks, playgrounds and businesses that offer activities and opportunities for play. 

City of Long Beach Issues New Health Order for COVID-19 Prevention 4/4/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has issued a new Health Order that will continue COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements for healthcare personnel. Isolation orders have also been updated.

Long Beach’s Mobile Access Center to Continue Offering Homeless Service Outreach Throughout April 3/30/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) in select areas throughout April. Beginning Monday, April 3, the MAC will be stationed at the following locations from 9 a.m. to noon:

Long Beach Launches Text Alert Program to Connect People Experiencing Homelessness to Resources and Services 3/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach, as part of its emergency response to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness, has launched the Long Beach Homelessness Text Alert program to connect residents who are unhoused with housing and support services and other resources. The new communications method will enhance the City’s existing outreach by providing timely updates directly to people needing the services. 

City of Long Beach Extends Winter Shelter Operations Through April 30 3/24/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is extending operations of its Winter Shelter, which shields people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather during the coldest time of the year by providing shelter, food, safety and connections to resources and services. The Long Beach Winter Shelter was originally scheduled to conclude operations on March 31; however, as a humanitarian effort to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness during the ongoing cold, wet winter weather, the City has extended operations through April 30.

City of Long Beach to Open Additional Safe Overnight Parking Lot for People Sheltered in Automobiles 3/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is expanding its Safe Parking Program, which provides a safe, dignified environment for people currently sheltering in their vehicles to park overnight while receiving access to basic needs and being connected to services.

Students, Staff and Families Encouraged to Participate in Long Beach Walk to School Week 3/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) invites school-aged children and their families to participate in Walk to School Week, taking place Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24. This year’s theme is Walking Rainbows and students are encouraged to walk their morning commute to school to promote safety and visibility while walking.

City Seeks Community Input on Homelessness in Long Beach 3/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community, the City has launched a survey seeking community members’ knowledge and perceptions of homelessness in Long Beach to garner feedback to further inform City resources, services and response efforts. The survey is now available at longbeach.gov/homelessness.

Emergency Response Information Now Available on Long Beach’s Homelessness Services and Information Hub Website 3/16/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has launched a new tab on its Homelessness Services and Information Hub website detailing the City’s response efforts for the homelessness state of emergency. The new tab, available at longbeach.gov/homelessness, will offer a one-stop-shop for City news, data and resources surrounding the homelessness crisis and will also support the City’s efforts to provide timely, transparent information to the public.

Some Long Beach Beaches Temporary Closed Due to Sewage Spill 3/15/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, ordered all swimming areas West of the Belmont Pier in Long Beach temporarily closed for water contact due to a sewage spill. State law requires temporary closure and posting at beaches in these situations, out of an abundance of caution, until the water quality meets State requirements.

City of Long Beach Seeks Partnerships with Community Organizations to Serve Residents Experiencing Homelessness 3/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking partnerships with community organizations and local companies that are interested in partnering with the City of Long Beach to collaborate with the City’s homelessness emergency response and assist in serving residents experiencing homelessness.

Long Beach Launches New Dashboard Featuring Local Homelessness Data 3/14/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach has launched a new data dashboard showcasing local homelessness data, including demographics of people experiencing homelessness and data on the various housing and support services offered by the City. The dashboard is part of the City’s commitment to aiding the most vulnerable members of the Long Beach community and will serve as an accountability platform that will provide timely, transparent data to the public. 

Long Beach to Host Donation Drive Thru to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 3/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – On Saturday, March 18, the City of Long Beach will host a drive thru donation event to collect essential items for people experiencing homelessness. The donation drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.) parking lot located on East Conant Street. 

Long Beach Health Department Announces Second Year of Measure US Community Grant Opportunities to Support Summer Youth Programming 3/10/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is initiating its second year of Measure US fund disbursements via three rounds of community grant opportunities to support youth development efforts in Long Beach.

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 3/10/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Long Beach Continues Enhanced Homeless Services Outreach, Continues to Deploy Mobile Access Center Through March 3/3/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach will continue to deploy its Mobile Access Center (MAC) through March, this month focusing on service areas throughout Long Beach. This outreach will continue to allow Homeless Services Bureau staff to conduct meaningful engagement and continue to build relationships, an essential component in increasing access to resources and services. 

Open Letter to the Community Regarding Silverado Shelter 2/28/2023 An Open Letter to the Community Regarding Silverado Shelter.

Long Beach Launches Donation Drive to Support People Experiencing Homelessness 2/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, the City has launched a donation drive to collect a variety of essential physical items to provide to residents who are unhoused. Community members are encouraged to join the effort by donating items in need.

Multi-Service Center Will Set up 60 Warming Beds February 26 through March 5 2/26/2023 Long Beach, CA – As a result of consistently windy, cold and wet weather in Long Beach, the City will set up 60 warming beds beginning today, Feb. 26, through at least Sunday, March 5, for people experiencing homelessness. The beds will be located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.). The warming beds will be removed every morning ahead of MSC operations, which begin at 8 a.m. on weekdays.

Long Beach Ends COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation 2/24/2023 Long Beach, CA - In alignment with the State of California, and amid a robust vaccine, testing and treatment infrastructure for COVID-19, the Long Beach City Council approved with an 8 to 0 vote to end the City’s local COVID-19 emergency proclamation during the Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, Council meeting, effective immediately. The City’s Health Department will continue to manage the necessary resources to address this ongoing public health burden.

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 2/23/2023 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours. After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches. Recreational swimming areas should be avoided for three days following the end of a rainstorm. This advisory will be extended if the rain continues.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson to Host Community Forum with Local Housing Providers 2/15/2023 Long Beach, CA – As part of the City of Long Beach’s mission to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community, Mayor Rex Richardson will host a community forum with local housing providers where he will share details about the City’s monetary incentives to encourage new owners, landlords and other housing providers to lease up with people assisted through the Housing Authority’s Choice Voucher and Emergency Housing Voucher programs. Local housing providers are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about these incentives and engage in meaningful discussions to aid in the City’s efforts to combat homelessness.

City of Long Beach Shares Resources Available to Community for Addressing Issues Related to Homelessness 2/9/2023 The City’s stated mission is to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by increasing housing opportunities, enhancing current initiatives and addressing and improving overall public safety for the entire community. The City has an active Interdepartmental Team that works together to develop solutions, create procedures and protocols for street teams and address issues related to community members experiencing homelessness. 

Long Beach City Council Approves Allocation of $13 Million in One-Time Funds to Support Homelessness Emergency Response 2/9/2023 Long Beach, CA – At the Feb. 7, 2023, meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved with a 6 to 3 vote the allocation of $13 million in one-time funds from Fiscal Year 2022 year-end results, to support the City’s emergency response to homelessness and various associated priority projects across multiple departments.

City of Long Beach Selects Firm to Design and Build Tiny Homes for People Experiencing Homelessness 2/9/2023 Long Beach, CA - On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, the Long Beach City Council approved, with a 9 to 0 vote, the awarding of a contract to Los Angeles-based firm, Connect Homes, for the design, manufacturing, delivery and installation of 30 to 35 modular non-congregate shelter units (Tiny Homes) to safely house people experiencing homelessness. 

Long Beach Health Department Awarded $100,000 to Address Vaccine Hesitancy 2/6/2023 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) has been selected as one of only three local health departments, among others across the nation, to be awarded $100,00 to address vaccine hesitancy. In partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, who also provided funding for the project, the Health Department will receive training, technical assistance and other resources to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, build partnerships with local organizations, and identify areas of need to improve vaccine confidence and uptake.

City of Long Beach to Provide Sanitation and Water Filling Services to People Living in Recreational Vehicles 2/3/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will offer a new space that provides people experiencing homelessness and currently living in recreational vehicles (RVs) with sanitation and water-filling services. A Revocable Facility Use permit approval for the new site was authorized by the Board of Utilities Commissioners during the Thursday, Feb. 2 meeting, and approved with a 4 to 0 vote. 

Additional Winter Shelter Doubling City's Capacity to Open in West Long Beach in February 2/3/2023 The City of Long Beach will open an additional Winter Shelter in February in an effort to increase access to critical shelter and resources for people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach.

City to Extend Homelessness Emergency Outreach Efforts in the Downtown Area in February 2/1/2023 Long Beach, CA – Due to the consistent demand for services, the City’s Mobile Access Center (MAC) will extend its street outreach efforts in Downtown Long Beach during the month of February. This focused outreach will allow Homeless Services Bureau staff to conduct meaningful engagement and continue to build relationships, an essential component in increasing access to resources and services. Data show that some people are contacted 10 or more times before becoming open to receiving services.

City Announces Business Improvement Districts Grant Awards Under the Visual Improvement Program 1/30/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach announced a total of $100,000 in new Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Grant awards, which will support sidewalk activation, special events, and clean and safe initiatives. This program is in addition to the existing LB Recovery Act funding for BID Grants.

City Establishes Field Command Center in Response to Homelessness Emergency 1/30/2023 Long Beach, CA – Today, the City of Long Beach established a Field Command Center in effort to provide immediate and critical support and resources in the City’s homelessness emergency response. The Field Command Center will serve as a location for the City’s Interdepartmental Team to further coordinate planning and services for the downtown area. 

Two Long Beach COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Clinics to Relocate and Expand Operations 1/27/2023 Long Beach, CA – Beginning Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, the City of Long Beach-operated COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites at both Long Beach City College locations (Veterans Stadium and Pacific Coast Campus) will relocate and expand operations to El Dorado Park Recreation Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Park Central Facilities Center, offering additional pediatric clinics and indoor services to be more accommodating of the community’s current needs. Since the start of the pandemic, the Health Department has conducted more than 1,070,400 tests and administered more than 351,900 doses of vaccine. The Health Department will continue to operate COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics up to seven days a week.

City Announces Visual Improvement Grants Available for Small Businesses Impacted by Crime and Vandalism 1/27/2023 Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach announced the availability of grant funds through the Visual Improvement Grant program, which will support local businesses impacted by crime and vandalism on or after Oct. 1, 2022.

Housing Authority to Provide Program Incentives for Property Owners in Long Beach 1/17/2023 Long Beach, CA – The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, a bureau within the Department of Health and Human Services, is offering several incentives to encourage new housing providers to lease up with people who are assisted through its Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and Housing Choice Voucher programs. 

City Announces Donation Campaign for Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action 1/13/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is launching a donation campaign to raise money for the Mayor’s Fund for Homeless Action (Mayor’s Fund). Donations from residents, businesses and community organizations will support grants to organizations in Long Beach that address significant needs of people and families in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

City of Long Beach Centralizes Homelessness Emergency Response Efforts Downtown, Deploys Mobile Access Vehicle 1/12/2023 Long Beach, CA – In an effort to more strategically conduct outreach to people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, the City of Long Beach has begun centralizing emergency response efforts in the Downtown area, expanding street outreach and deploying a new Mobile Access Center vehicle. These mobilization efforts, which will continue over the next three weeks in the Downtown area, were announced during a press conference earlier today, where Mayor Rex Richardson and other City leaders delivered updates regarding the City’s proclamation of a local homelessness emergency.

Work Groups Established to Respond to Homelessness Emergency in Long Beach 1/11/2023 Long Beach, CA – Following the proclamation of a local homelessness emergency in Long Beach yesterday, Jan. 10, City leadership has established an Incident Command Center and identified nine work groups consisting of 100 people to take on the various aspects of homelessness emergency response.

Homelessness Proclaimed an Emergency in Long Beach 1/10/2023 Long Beach, CA – Today, the Long Beach City Council adopted, in an 8-0 vote, the City Manager’s proclamation of a local homelessness emergency. The item was proposed by Mayor Rex Richardson and co-sponsored by downtown Councilmember Mary Zendejas. The local emergency will strengthen the City’s preparedness and ability to respond to homelessness.

City Seeks Partners to Help Increase Fresh Produce in Priority Neighborhood Markets 1/6/2023 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is seeking to partner with one or more qualified organizations to increase the availability of low-cost, culturally relevant, produce in priority neighborhoods in Long Beach through their Produce to Market Program. 

City Issues Rain Advisory Due to Recent Showers 12/27/2022 Long Beach City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis has issued a rain advisory for recreational beaches and bays in the City of Long Beach following the rain experienced in the last 24 hours.

City of Long Beach Leaders Meet to Discuss Possible Emergency Response to Homelessness Crisis 12/23/2022 Long Beach, CA – On December 22, 2022 at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, Mayor Rex Richardson addressed senior leaders from the City of Long Beach before City Manager Tom Modica and City staff convened in a strategic discussion regarding the growing crisis of homelessness.

City of Long Beach Encourages Residents to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season 12/23/2022 Long Beach, CA – The holiday season is a time for joyous celebrations, beloved traditions, and long-awaited gatherings with family and friends. With the winter holidays in full swing and New Year's quickly approaching, the City of Long Beach is offering the following tips to ensure everyone has a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday season.

Official City of Long Beach Statement Regarding Forthcoming City Council Consideration of Local Emergency in Response to Homelessness Crisis 12/21/2022 Today, Dec. 21, 2022, Mayor Rex Richardson, in partnership with Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, requested City Manager Tom Modica to bring an item before the City Council for consideration requesting the Council to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency related to homelessness. The emergency proclamation, in response to the City’s homelessness crisis, will allow the City to mobilize local resources, coordinate interagency response, accelerate procurement of housing units and seek assistance from the State and Federal governments. 

City Launches New Homeless Services and Information Hub Webpage 12/21/2022 Long Beach, CA – Today the City of Long Beach launched a new Homeless Services and Information Hub webpage, now available at longbeach.gov/homelessness. The webpage was developed in an effort to provide a one-stop-shop of resources and information for the public and to offer a more open and transparent platform regarding homelessness in Long Beach. The webpage serves as a multifaceted information and resource hub for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Long Beach and as a localized platform where all community members can learn more about the City’s efforts to combat the homeless crisis and how to get involved.  

Health Department Reports Significant Decline in Mpox Cases 12/19/2022 Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has made great progress in addressing mpox since the first local case was reported on July 16, 2022. A comprehensive approach including vaccination, outreach in the community and other public health response efforts have contributed to a significant decline in new cases.

Winter Shelter to Open in East Long Beach This Week 12/19/2022 Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Winter Shelter, which shields people experiencing homelessness from inclement weather and provides shelter, food, safety and services during the coldest time of year, is expected to open this week at Community Hospital, located near the traffic circle in East Long Beach.

City Now Offering Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines to Children Ages 6 Months and Older 12/16/2022 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is now offering bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to children 6 months of age and older. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for both Pfizer and Moderna to include the bivalent vaccines for children younger than 5 on Dec. 8, followed by approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Dec. 9. The bivalent vaccines will provide increased protection against the omicron variant that has been circulating since last year. 

Long Beach Moves into CDC’s Medium Tier of the COVID-19 Community Levels as Cases Rise 12/9/2022 Long Beach, CA – With COVID-19 cases rising, the City of Long Beach has entered the Medium (Yellow) Tier of COVID-19 Community Level, the second of three tiers outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging residents to be vigilant and take preventative steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

City to Host Health Permit Workshop for Mobile Food Vendors and Food Truck Operators 12/1/2022 Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will host a workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 13, for mobile food vendors, including street food vendors and food truck operators. The workshop will provide information about obtaining a Long Beach Health Permit as well as upcoming changes to the California Retail Food Code. 

City of Long Beach Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat 9/26/2022 Long Beach, CA – With excessive temperatures expected this week, City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, is advising residents to take precautions against the heat. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid to high 90s in parts of Long Beach.