As winter approaches, the City of Long Beach has announced the activation of its winter shelter and inclement weather shelter, expanding occupancy rates for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest season of the year.
“Cold and wet weather conditions can turn dangerous quickly, particularly for our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “By expanding our shelter beds, we are ensuring that people have somewhere safe to go when conditions worsen. This work can save lives and I’m grateful for the City staff and partners who show up for our community and provide them care and resources when it matters most.”
Long Beach’s Emergency Shelter (702 W. Anaheim St.) has shifted to winter shelter operations, with its nightly occupancy growing from 85 people to a maximum 125 people. The seasonal expansion began Nov. 17 and will continue through March 31, 2026. This 24/7 service is done in collaboration with First to Serve Outreach Ministries and with funding from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).
Shelter guests will receive three daily meals, access to showers, restrooms, an enclosed outdoor area and accommodations for service animals and pets. They will also have access to a range of services, such as housing-focused case management, referrals to permanent and year-round shelter programs, help obtaining identification and vital documents and behavioral health and social service connections.
A referral from either the Multi-Service Center (MSC) or Mobile Access Center is required to receive access to this shelter.
“As temperatures drop, supporting our neighbors who are unhoused with care and urgency is a top priority,” said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas in a public statement. “This expanded shelter plan reflects our continued focus on safety, dignity and compassion, and I’m grateful to our partners and staff working around the clock to connect people with a warm place to sleep and the services that can help them move forward.”
Adding onto the City’s 400 year-round shelter beds and 40 additional winter shelter beds, the MSC has been activated as an inclement weather shelter. During periods of extreme weather, this emergency overnight will provide low-barrier shelter for up to 65 people and provide separate spaces for men and women.
People living outdoors or in spaces not intended for human habitation are at greater risk of hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, heart attacks from overexertion and other health complications as a result of inclement weather conditions. The intention of the inclement weather shelter is to provide a warm, dry and safe space to combat the seasonal weather risks.
The inclement weather shelter may be activated when any of the following occur:
- Forecasted temperatures of 45° F or lower
- A flood watch or warning has been issued by the National Weather Service
- Weather forecasts predict rain that exceeds light showers
Those staying at the MSC shelter will receive a cot and blanket, hot dinner and light breakfast, restroom access and hygiene supplies, as well as support from City staff and security and connections services through the MSC. Guests must vacate the facility in the morning and may return when the MSC continues standard operations.
When activated, direct outreach via Homeless Services Bureau Staff will notify people experiencing unsheltered homelessness of the shelter opportunity.
To learn more about the City’s shelter operations, visit longbeach.gov/homelessness. Further information on how to access shelter will be shared on the City’s social media accounts.
