PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach today celebrated the grand re-opening of the renovated Multi-Service Center (MSC) facility alongside community stakeholders and partners. A Port of Long Beach-owned property, the MSC serves as the central hub for intake and assessment for the Long Beach Continuum of Care, a collaboration of service providers working together to end homelessness. The MSC averages 26,000 client visits annually, making it the primary point of entry for persons seeking homeless services assistance in the City of Long Beach.

"This revitalized facility promotes connectivity to local and regional resources and brings together stakeholders to effectively address homelessness," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, whose office provided $2 million for the MSC renovation.

The newly renovated facility increases the capacity to serve those who are greatest in need. The spaciously redesigned floor plan includes an expanded medical clinic, classroom and interview rooms along with safety features throughout the center to improve the experiences for both clients and staff. An additional $150,000 in City of Long Beach one-time funds for technology upgrades completed the funding for the renovation. 

“The Multi-Service Center is a critical resource for those who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness in Long Beach,” Mayor Robert Garcia said.  “Today, we recognize the collaborative work of our partners and community members who continue to improve the quality of life of those most in need.”

The MSC facility houses staff from the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services and 11 other public and private partner organizations that work together to promote self-sufficiency and rebuild the lives of those experiencing homelessness.  

“Comprehensive, holistic solutions are extremely critical to solving the issue of homelessness in our great City,” Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez said.  “The MSC's collaborative approach enables the partner agencies to connect people to the resources they need, including mental health and overall health services.”

The MSC has been instrumental in facilitating opportunities for homeless men, women, and children to achieve housing stability and empower clients by actively engaging them in service planning, building on their strengths, and helping them to achieve their goals. This focus on the goals of economic stability, employment, stable housing, and reintegration has had positive impacts for both the clients and the community.  From 2007 to 2013, the number of homeless/formerly homeless people off the street and in emergency shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing has increased 50 percent, from 1,679 to 2508. 

“Collectively, we are rebuilding lives, one person at a time, one day at a time,” said Kelly Colopy, Director of Health and Human Services. “We are optimistic for the future of this center in achieving a Healthier Long Beach for all.”

The MSC is also recognized as a national model for a best practice approach for addressing homelessness.  This model includes proactively matching client needs to appropriate services and resources while increasing efficiencies among agencies.  The center has been visited by other jurisdictions interested in emulating this innovative approach for addressing homelessness. 

The co-located agencies at the MSC include: Alliance for Housing and Healing; Catholic Charities of Los Angeles; County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services; Goodwill, Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County; Help Me Help You; Interval House; Mental Health America of Los Angeles; PATH; The Children’s Clinic, Serving Children and Their Families; U.S. Veterans Initiative; and VA Long Beach Healthcare – provide comprehensive services to meet the clients’ needs.  

For more information regarding the Multi-Service Center, please contact Elsa Ramos, Multi-Service Center Coordinator, at 562.570.4588.