The Californer - City of Long Beach Unveils New Interim Housing Facility at 5950 Long Beach Blvd.

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach celebrated the completion of Homekey at 5950, the newest interim housing facility for people experiencing homelessness, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Mayor Rex Richardson and Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk were joined by other city leaders and partners to mark the transformation of the former Luxury Inn into a safe and supportive space for those in need.

Part of the State's Project Homekey initiative, Homekey at 5950 offers 78 upgraded units, including 12 that are fully Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible. This facility provides not only shelter but also onsite supportive services to help residents transition into permanent housing.

Mayor Richardson expressed his commitment to expanding interim housing options in Long Beach and addressing homelessness with compassion and dignity. He stated, "We've turned a once-nuisance motel into a welcoming, supportive space for people on the path from homelessness to stability."

The renovation at Homekey at 5950 includes upgraded amenities such as new bathrooms, modern lighting, microwaves, refrigerators, and on-site laundry in every unit. The property also features improved common areas, a new fire sprinkler system, drought-tolerant landscaping, and ADA-compliant access throughout.

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Operated by First to Serve, this facility offers comprehensive supportive resources and services to its residents. These include case management to access benefits and employment opportunities and secure permanent housing; three meals a day; health and safety support; and coordinated housing referrals for smooth transitions to permanent homes.

Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk praised the transformation of the former Luxury Inn into a place of hope for its residents. She stated, "At the new Homekey at 5950, residents will find more than safe shelter; they will find the stability and support to begin their journey to permanent housing."

Funding for this project came from a combination of State Project Homekey grants, the City's General Fund, City of Long Beach Measure A, and AB32 funds. Project Homekey is a State initiative to rapidly expand temporary housing by converting hotels, motels, and other vacant buildings into supportive housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Homekey at 5950 joins other major homelessness services projects completed this year, including the Youth Shelter and Navigation Center and Homekey at 1725. The Youth Shelter and Navigation Center is the City's first permanent shelter facility for youth experiencing homelessness, while Homekey at 1725 transformed a former Best Western motel into 99 interim housing units.

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Since the start of 2020, Long Beach has seen a significant increase in available year-round beds for those experiencing homelessness. Through combined efforts with Los Angeles County and nonprofit partners, bed capacity has grown from 562 to 1,455 year-round beds and from 125 to 144 temporary or seasonal beds. This marks a 159% increase in available year-round beds between 2020 and 2025.

Residents of Long Beach can also support those in need by donating essential items. Donation bins are available at all open Long Beach Public Library locations during regular business hours, as well as at designated locations such as Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach and Scherer Park Community Center.

For more information about Homekey at 5950 or to donate essential items, visit the project webpage. With the completion of this project and others like it, the City of Long Beach continues to make strides in addressing homelessness with compassion and providing safe spaces for those in need.

Filed Under: Government, City

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