Long Beach is taking a proactive approach to its homelessness crisis by initiating a series of community engagement events aimed at collective problem-solving. As announced by the city, these HOME Community Roadshows, created by the Office of Homeless Strategy and Partnerships (OHSP), are designed to pull residents into the fold, inviting dialogue and offering an update on the efforts unfolding to address homelessness.
The first of these quarterly events is scheduled for June 12, 2025, in the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center. Mayor Rex Richardson highlighted the community's role by saying, "The Community Roadshows are a vital opportunity to meet residents where they are, build trust and share how we are working together across departments, and with community partners to create safe, supportive solutions for all Long Beach residents," according to a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach's news release.
At the upcoming roadshow, attendees can expect an interactive experience with information booths, free food, and dialogues around housing, public safety, and homelessness services. Registration for the event is recommended but not mandatory. To accommodate Long Beach's diverse population, the city has made arrangements for interpretation services in Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog to be available.
Transparency and collaboration remain at the core of Long Beach's broader strategy to tackle homelessness, with city departments joining forces with community organizations to streamline resources and input. The September 2024 Open House event for the City’s Homelessness Strategic Plan Update Initiative paved the way for such interactions, it was previously reported by the City of Long Beach’s website.
For those interested in learning more about the city's ongoing efforts or the upcoming events, details can be found on the OHSP website and queries may be addressed via email at [email protected]. Moreover, the city maintains a commitment to keeping the public informed via regular updates on local homelessness initiatives on the Long Beach city website, as well as through their social media channels.
