The city of Long Beach has recently announced that work has begun on its Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, which will offer temporary housing and support services for youth ages 18 to 24 once it’s operational.
Located at 1718 Hayes Avenue, the 4.1 million dollar, 5400-square-foot center is expected to be completed by early 2025.
“This project has been in the works for many years, and we are excited to see it come to fruition,” said Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services. “All homelessness-related projects are of the highest priority.”
The shelter will be able to house up to 12 people at a time with the goal of getting them permanent housing as quickly as possible. Basic needs will be provided, including three meals a day and transportation and/or bus passes. The building is also planned to have restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a communal kitchen, and a lounge area.
The shelter’s other main resources will feature support services to youth and daily storage for all people experiencing homelessness.
Youth staying at the shelter will be provided with on-site case management, along with workforce opportunities and other social service support. Other than that, people can utilize the shelter’s transportation services to get to and from places such as the Multi-Service Center (MSC), where many major resources are provided for people experiencing homelessness.
In addition to youth support, storage space equivalent to about an 80-gallon storage container will be provided to those working towards accessing resources through the MSC or mobile outreach services.
“We know that, for some people, having larger items or items that they cannot carry can create a barrier in terms of getting service,” said Rice Epstein. “By providing storage at the navigation center, we will lower that barrier.”
A referral from the MSC or Mobile Access Center will be needed in order to access the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center. Those with a referral will be given access to transportation as well as an in-depth review of services being offered by the facility.
For more information about the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center, contact the City of Long Beach Joint Information Center at 562-570-NEWS or visit longbeach.gov/homelessness.
