City adds 60 temporary beds for unhoused people
Long Beach has added 60 warming beds for those experiencing homelessness to its Multi-Service Center on a temporary basis, the city announced on Sunday, to provide folks with safety from ongoing cold and wet weather in the region.
An unusually strong winter storm has been making its way throughout the Southern California region over the past week, with forecasters predicting additional bad weather — including rain, high winds, and below-average temperatures — throughout the remainder of this week.
Temperatures in Long Beach have dropped as low as 43 degrees over the past week, with even colder nights expected in the coming days.
Hypothermia — which often occurs by overexposure to cold weather or water — happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. If left untreated, the condition can cause heart and respiratory failure, and often results in death. The medical emergency is a chief health concern for those without shelter, especially during severe storms.
One person without shelter died on Friday in Long Beach due to exposure, the city said in its Sunday announcement.
The additional beds at the MSC — which will be available through at least Sunday — are meant to protect unhoused folks from the worst of the winter weather.
The beds will be offered on a first come, first serve basis starting at 6 p.m. every day, the city said. People in need of a bed can walk up to the MSC to request one.
The beds will be removed ahead of MSC operations at 8 a.m. on weekdays, the city said, and replaced every evening until the temporary program comes to an end.
Long Beach city outreach workers began canvassing on Sunday, Feb. 26, to let folks without shelter know about the newly added resource — and will continue to do so throughout the week, the city said.
The city's Homeless Services Bureau and Health and Human Services Department, the announcement said, are also seeking community groups that can assist with evening meal distribution. Food will be provided by the MSC, the announcement said, and those interested should call or 562.570.4500 or email homelessservices@longbeach.gov.