A homeless person died in Long Beach on Friday, Feb. 24 due to exposure to the cold, windy and wet weather going through Southern California, the City announced on Sunday.
In response, the City has set up 60 beds at the Multi-Service Center (MSC) to keep those suffering from homelessness safe from the wet weather and low temperatures through at least March 5. The MSC is the hub for homeless resources in Long Beach and provides case management, housing services, mental health assistance and more.
Long Beach was issued a storm warning over the weekend, as residents across the city experienced bouts of hail, inches of rain and fallen trees. Storms are expected to resume this week, with temperatures dipping as low as 43 degrees.
Residents will have access to the beds at the MSC each evening at 6 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The beds will be removed at 8 a.m. the following day, prior to the facility’s opening.
City staff began public outreach on Sunday to inform people about the 60 available beds. There are 80 beds available at the winter shelter located at the former Community Hospital building, which has been at full capacity since opening. The City had plans to open a second winter shelter next week, but has been met with community opposition for its chosen location at Silverado Park.
The Homeless Services Bureau of the Health and Human Services Department announced they are seeking help from community groups to provide meals to those sleeping at the MSC. People or groups interested can call 562.570.4500 or email homelessservices@longbeach.gov.
Long Beach was able to quickly add these 60 beds due to the emergency proclamation that the city council passed on Jan. 10 in response to the rising numbers of homelessness in the city, according to a statement from the City.
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.
1 comment
Comments are closed.