LOCKED OUT

Homelessness in Long Beach

There has never been a time when more public money is being invested in trying to get people off the streets. Yet the number of unhoused individuals in Long Beach rose by a startling 62% in the last two years. Why has it been so hard to get people into permanent housing?

As money flowed in, numbers rose over the last two years

There are 3,296 homeless individuals in the city, an increase of 62%.

The number of people living in encampments or on the street rose 22%.

The number of people living in a vehicle rose by 380%

The number of Homeless Services Bureau staff increased from 25 to 80.

The city’s budget for homeless services went from $10 million to nearly $80 million.

Long Beach has received $81 million in recovery act funds to prevent homelessness.

About this project

Locked Out: Homelessness in Long Beach” is an ongoing project by the Long Beach Post. The series will explore this critical issue through in-depth reporting, interactive graphics, videos, photos—and most importantly through the experiences of people in our city. 

If you have a news tip, or would like to see a particular issue explored, please email Executive Editor Melissa Evans at [email protected]

PODCAST

Jeff Levine of the LB Rescue Mission: Addressing homelessness means handling childhood trauma

NOVEMBER 15, 2022. | 26:29 | S3:E3