The Californer - City of Long Beach Opens Youth Shelter and Navigation Center to Support Youth Experiencing Homelessness

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~ Long Beach, CA - On August 6, 2025, the City of Long Beach celebrated a significant milestone in its efforts to address homelessness with the completion of the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center. The city hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion, attended by city leaders and officials.

The facility, located at 1718 Hayes Ave., is the first permanent shelter for youth experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. It offers temporary shelter and supportive services for young adults aged 18-24, providing them with a safe place to sleep and access to resources to help them get back on their feet.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement about the new center, stating that it represents a step forward in the city's investments towards ending youth homelessness. He emphasized that this facility will provide much-needed support for young people in need and help them on their journey towards stability and self-sufficiency.

The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center is a low-barrier housing first shelter with 12 beds available year-round. It offers round-the-clock care grounded in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. Services include case management, housing navigation, three daily meals, hygiene access, and connections to long-term housing and wellness resources. The program supports both transitional and permanent housing pathways, with an initial enrollment period of 90 days that can be extended as needed.

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Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the importance of investing in compassionate solutions to break the cycle of homelessness. He expressed pride in welcoming this vital space to West Long Beach and providing much-needed support for youth in his district.

The project was initiated as part of the city's response to its homelessness emergency. It reflects the urgent need for housing solutions and demonstrates the city's commitment to repurposing underutilized properties into meaningful spaces. Renovations on the 5,400-square-foot center began in January 2024, transforming a vacant building into a safe and welcoming space with upgraded amenities and improved exterior features.

Alison King, Director of Health and Human Services, stressed the significance of addressing youth homelessness, as young people experiencing homelessness are at higher risk for various issues such as mental health problems, substance abuse, trafficking, and long-term chronic homelessness. She emphasized that early intervention can significantly improve their future stability and well-being.

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The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center was made possible through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Grant Program. The project received funding from Measure A funds, the state's Homeless Emergency Aid Program (administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development), and State AB32 funds.

In addition to providing shelter and services for youth experiencing homelessness, the center also offers opportunities for community involvement. Long Beach residents can support youth in need by donating essential items at any open Long Beach Public Library location during regular business hours or at designated sites such as the Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach or Scherer Park Community Center.

The completion of the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center is a significant achievement for the City of Long Beach in its ongoing efforts to address homelessness. It serves as a vital resource for young adults without homes and reflects the city's commitment to compassionately supporting its most vulnerable community members. For more information on other recent homeless services projects in Long Beach, visit the project pages for Homekey at 1725 Long Beach Blvd. and Homekey at 5950 Long Beach Blvd.

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