The city’s winter shelter for those experiencing homelessness is slated to open at its West Long Beach location on Dec. 7—a full week later than expected, Long Beach officials announced today.

A building at 1718-1722 Hayes Ave., an industrial area of the Westside, was approved for use as a temporary emergency shelter by the City Council during its Nov. 12 meeting.

The shelter was scheduled to be open from Dec. 1 to March 31, however, Interim Deputy City Manager Teresa Chandler said that due to infrastructure updates of the building, the opening has been pushed back to Dec. 7 if all goes as planned.

Once opened, the shelter will operate between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. seven days a week but those hours may be extended in the event of rainy weather, city officials stated.

The U.S. Veterans Initiative, chosen by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, will operate the shelter once again. This is the third year of a three-year contract, officials said.

Homeless participants will be required to stay on site until 7 a.m. once checked into the facility, according to officials, and must be transported to and from the shelter from designated pick-up/drop-off areas throughout the city.

No one will be admitted if they walk up to the shelter.

Chandler said two pickup locations will be in Long Beach with the third located in San Pedro. They are:

  • 14th Street Park (14th Street and Palmer Court near Long Beach Boulevard)
  • Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.)
  • Channel St. Park & Ride (110 Underpass/Channel Street, San Pedro)

While the city is in the process of creating a year-round homeless shelter—the first phase of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge Housing Community is expected to open by June 2020—there are two other privately run shelters in Long Beach.

The Long Beach Rescue Mission operates the Samaritan House for men and Lydia House for women and children. Catholic Charities of Los Angeles operates Project Achieve and Elizabeth Anne Seton Residence.

For more information about homeless services in the city click here.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the announcement of the third pickup location.

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.