This is a companion piece to the Community Editorial Board’s Editorial: To confront homelessness, we need new thinking, not entrenched politics, which calls for a Housing First model when addressing homelessness.

The following is a list of ways you can help combat homelessness, including contacting local leaders, supporting groups and resources to understand the issue and help others. Email us at [email protected] about any other ways not included and we’ll add them to this list.

Contact your local leaders: 

  • Paul Duncan, the recently appointed Homeless Services Officer for the city of Long Beach, has been noted as a fresh force for positive impact within our city.  Ask your city council representative to setup a community meeting with Paul to discuss ways to address homelessness in your district, and to provide updates to the community
  • Connect with the commission at  [email protected] to ask about how you can help support the city’s efforts to address homelessness.
  • Reach out to County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Long Beach at the county level, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal, who represents Long Beach at the federal level.
  • At the state level, reach out to representatives state Sen. Lena Gonzalez and Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell.

Support Local Organizations: 

  • Care Closet LBC, headed by Duke Givens, collects and distributes food, clothes, and toiletries to the homeless community
  • Ashlee’s Homeless Fund, spearheaded by Christine Barry, raises funds to connect the homeless community with bus tickets, hotel vouchers, or rehab facilities
  • Long Beach Rescue Mission includes two shelters, including one for men and another for women and their children
  • U.S. VETS —Long Beach offers supportive services for military veterans and their families

Resources:

  • Everyone In LA – Learn more about the issue and participate in local roundtables
  • Pocket Guide – resource directory from the city of Long Beach

What are some questions that you have about homelessness in your community? What parts of the issue do you want to learn more about? Please reach out to us at [email protected] and share your thoughts.