PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
562.441.3590
Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov
Public Affairs Officer
Department of Health and Human Services
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is seeking 250 community volunteers to help conduct the 2022 Point in Time (PIT) Count, its street count of people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, taking place on Jan. 25, 2022.
“The Homeless Point in Time Count is an important tool in allowing the City to better serve people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “By volunteering, you become part of the solution.”
The PIT Count is a communitywide effort that provides an opportunity for residents and local businesses to actively contribute and learn about people who are experiencing homelessness and gain an understanding of the resources available to address homelessness in Long Beach. The count is vital in determining the scope of homelessness, defining existing resources available and identifying gaps to better serve these individuals.
To volunteer for the PIT Count, people must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Attend a virtual orientation and training prior to the day of the count.
- Commit to a three- to four-hour canvassing shift on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
Volunteers can register online or learn more by emailing HomelessServices@longbeach.gov or calling the Multi-Service Center at 562.570.4499. If more than 250 people volunteer for the count, a waitlist will be established.
On the morning of the count, volunteers will arrive at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.) at 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m. or 6 a.m., depending on the area of the city in which they will be counting. Groups of three to five volunteers will be assigned a segment of the city for the street-based count and will administer a survey to any individuals experiencing homelessness they count. The field work will begin half an hour after arrival time.
Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour virtual orientation prior to participating in the Jan. 25 count. Volunteers need only attend one orientation. Volunteer orientations will be hosted on the following days and times (recordings will also be made available):
- Wednesday, Jan. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all volunteers will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the count and will be required to wear face masks for the duration of the count regardless of vaccination status.
In addition to canvassing a map segment, community members are also encouraged to help raise awareness and recruit other volunteers to participate in the PIT Count by sharing on social media or by providing physical and/or monetary donations.
To financially contribute towards Count incentives, people can donate online at Mayor’s Fund to End Homelessness and type “Homeless Count - Mayor's Fund” in the Additional Comments box. Donations can also be made by check. Check donations may be mailed to Long Beach Community Foundation, 400 Oceangate, Suite 800, Long Beach, CA 90802. Please make check payable to “Long Beach Community Foundation” and write “Homeless Count - Mayor's Fund” in the memo section of the check. These tax-deductible donations will be used towards gift cards and other incentives for individuals being surveyed on the day of the Count.
Community members can also donate travel-sized hygiene products and socks, which will also be distributed during the count. Physical donation items can be dropped off at the Long Beach Multi-Service Center, located at 1301 W 12th St., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information about ways to donate is available on the Long Beach Homeless Count website or by emailing HomelessServices@longbeach.gov.
Long Beach’s homeless population has decreased by 29% from 2013 to 2020, when a total of 2,034 individuals were counted in emergency shelters, transitional housing and living in places not meant for human habitation like parks, beaches and city streets.
The City continues to work diligently to tackle the issue of homelessness. To continue expanding capacity and enhancing service delivery to those most in need, the Health Department leads a multi-pronged approach along with many other City departments, including the Police and Fire Departments, Public Works, Development Services, the Library, Parks, Recreation and Marine and the City Attorney’s Office.
Additionally, Long Beach is one of only three cities in Los Angeles County to operate its own Continuum of Care, a local planning body funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that coordinates housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Homeless Services Bureau, part of the City’s Health Department, organizes the PIT Count effort and provides leadership to the Long Beach Continuum of Care.