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Long Beach Launches Expanded Shelter Operations During Winter Season
By Staff Writer
Published on Thu, Dec 4, 2025
As temperatures begin to dip, the City of Long Beach has activated its winter shelter operations and inclement weather shelter to help ensure people experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe place to stay during the colder months.
Expanding shelter capacity each winter provides life-saving protection for residents most vulnerable to the elements and strengthens the City’s ongoing efforts to connect people to long-term services and housing.
Winter Shelter
The City’s Emergency Shelter at 702 W. Anaheim St. has transitioned to winter operations, increasing its capacity from 85 to up to 125 beds each night. The shelter began 24/7 winter service on Nov. 17 and will continue through March 31, in partnership with First to Serve Outreach Ministries and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which funds this seasonal expansion.
Shelter guests receive:
- Three meals a day
- Access to showers, restrooms, and an enclosed outdoor space
- Accommodations for pets and service animals
- Connections to supportive services, including housing-focused case management, referrals to permanent and year-round shelters, help obtaining identification and vital documents, and behavioral health and social service resources
Access to the shelter requires a referral from the Multi-Service Center (MSC) or Mobile Access Center.
Inclement Weather Shelter
During severe weather—such as freezing temperatures, heavy rain, or flood warnings—the City also activates an emergency overnight shelter at the MSC. This site provides low-barrier shelter for up to 65 people, with separate spaces for men and women.
Living outdoors during extreme cold, wind or rain greatly increases the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and other serious health concerns. The inclement weather shelter provides a warm, dry space when it is needed most.
The shelter may activate when:
- Temperatures are forecasted at 45°F or lower
- A flood watch or warning is issued
- Rain is predicted beyond light showers
When activated, guests receive:
- A cot and blanket
- Hot dinner and light breakfast
- Access to restrooms and hygiene supplies
- Support from City staff and on-site security
- Connections to services at the MSC
Guests must exit the facility each morning and may return once the MSC resumes normal operations.
When an activation occurs, Homeless Services Bureau teams—including general outreach, REACH teams and Mobile Access Centers—provide direct outreach to notify people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Updates are also shared through the Homelessness Text Alert Program and the City’s social media channels.
For more information, visit longbeach.gov/homelessness.
