PRESS RELEASE

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.

Beginning Saturday, Aug. 19 at noon, through Monday, Aug. 21, the City’s Multi-Service Center (MSC) will be open during the day and overnight to shelter up to 60 people experiencing homelessness from the harsh weather. People in need of shelter can visit the MSC (1301 W. 12st St.). Additionally, the City is working to temporarily increase capacity at local shelters to offer additional safe places for people to sleep during the storms. An additional 20 beds will be added to the Emergency Shelter at 702 W. Anaheim St. Beds can be accessed through either the MSC or City Outreach or emergency responders.

Homeless Services staff will continue to coordinate with the Police and Fire Departments to ensure outreach is conducted along the riverbeds over the weekend to engage and educate people about safety concerns and help connect people seeking shelter to safer places to sleep.

More information about how the City of Long Beach is preparing and storm preparedness safety tips for residents and visitors is available at longbeach.gov/LBRain.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov. 

For more information on the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness in Long Beach, people may visit longbeach.gov/homelessness and follow @lbhealthdept and @longbeachcity on social media and follow the hashtag #EveryoneHomeLB.