The City of Long Beach celebrated the beginning of renovations for its forthcoming Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, the City’s first-ever permanent shelter facility for youth experiencing homelessness, that will offer temporary shelter and supportive services for youth ages 18 to 24. This $4.1 million project will add to the City’s suite of temporary housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness.
“The Long Beach Youth Shelter and Navigation Center will provide a safe haven and lifeline for young adults who need our support at their most vulnerable moments,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By placing a focus on youth, we can prevent a lifetime of homelessness for future generations.”
The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, located at 1718 Hayes Ave., will offer two core resources: support services to youth ages 18 to 24 and daily storage for people experiencing homeless, regardless of age, year-round seven days a week. The center will house 12 shelter beds with restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a kitchenette and lounge area. Young people will be provided with connections to comprehensive social service supports as well as case management on site. Additionally, the site will offer voluntary storage for people who are working to access resources through the City’s Coordinated Entry System at the Multi Service Center (MSC) or mobile outreach services. It will be managed by the April Parker Foundation and the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. In order to access the center, people will first need a referral from the MSC or Mobile Access Center. Participants referred will be supported with transportation needs and can receive a more in-depth review of services being offered.
“We are proud to welcome the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center to our West Long Beach community,” said Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. “Our goal is to ensure that youth who are experiencing homeless in Long Beach have a safe place to stay and the resources they need to thrive.”
Renovations on the 5,400-square-foot center will begin in February. The interior will be entirely remodeled, transforming from an empty shell into a warm and welcoming space. Building improvements will include new interior walls, doors, showers, remodeled restrooms, new interior ceilings, interior lighting, and exterior paint and finish. The center will include a new storefront with partial glass façade, in addition to sidewalk and driveway improvements in front of the building. The project is anticipated to be complete by early 2025.
“We are committed to investing in the well-being and future of Long Beach youth,” said Deputy City Manager Teresa Chandler. “The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center is a testament to our unwavering commitment to increase interim shelters and services that are rooted in compassion, understanding and inclusivity.”
The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center Project is funded by $1.8 million in Measure A funds, $900,000 from the State of California through the Homeless Emergency Aid Program received by the Department of Health and Human Services, and $1.4 million from the State of California AB32 funds.
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.