Goals and Accomplishments

The Coalition has been instrumental in addressing homeless in Long Beach through four main approaches:

  • Coordinating information-sharing
  • Educating the public and elected officials
  • Advocating for legislation and funding for programs
  • Supporting and participati ng in homeless services

Successful efforts include:

  • Lobbying for the opening of the City's drop-in homeless assistance center, The Multi-Service Center (MSC)
  • Operating the Rainy Day Shelter
  • Supporting the annual opening of the Cold Weather Shelter
  • Encouraging the creation of the Mayor's Fund for the Homeless
  • Securing Navy surplus land for homeless housing at the Villages at Cabrillo
  • Distributing a monthly newsletter to members
  • Supporting the Community Action Network (CAN) of homeless people
  • Facilitating community dialogues on homelessness topics:
    mental illness, families, veterans and youth aging out of the foster care system
  • Testifying at City Council meetings on homeless-related policy
  • Participating in design of the City's 10-year Plan to End Homelessness and Housing Element of the General Plan
  • Facilitating forums for police and homeless to air differences
  • Advocating for the City's Housing Trust Fund
  • Protesting against zoning that limits the ability of houses of worship to assist the homeless
  • Lobbying for the opening of Project Achieve, a year-round shelter
  • For a more detailed history of the organization, click here.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Long Beach Area Coalition for the Homeless is to focus community concern on ending homelessness through education, support for political and economic change to decrease homelessness, and support for services that empower people.
man