In a welcome shift from a years-long pattern of escalating homelessness, Long Beach has reported its first decrease since 2017, according to the latest figures released which show a 2.1% drop; the city identified 3,376 people living without a home compared to 3,447 last year, this was confirmed by city's official press release.
Mayor Rex Richardson remains optimistic, hailing the change as a harbinger of progress, "For the first time in seven years, we are reporting a drop in overall homelessness”, with youth homelessness nearly halved, he sees the results as confirmation that Long Beach's strategic efforts are bearing fruit, however the strides made by the city's initiatives and the sustained high shelter occupancy show there's still a lot to do in tackling the complex factors driving homelessness such as unemployment and mental health issues," Richardson articulated in a statement detailed by the City of Long Beach's release.
Specific demographics such as the youth and elderly saw notable decreases in homelessness, with a stark 49.7% reduction among those aged 18-24 and a 37% fall among minors; nevertheless, these wins are countered by alarming increases among other groups, such as a 39.6% rise among individuals identifying as transgender and a 283% spike for those who identify as multiracial, as outlined in the city's data.
Supervisor Janice Hahn of Los Angeles County lauded Long Beach's efforts, recognizing their proactive measures and partnership in driven programs, "They stepped up during the pandemic to transform motels into shelter, they have welcomed permanent supportive housing, and they were one of the first cities I partnered with when we launched the Pathway Home encampment resolution program last year," Hahn expressed her commendation in a bulletin found on the county's communication platform.
Among the city's achievements, Long Beach touted its mental health initiatives, the expansion of shelter beds, and the use of technology, such as a text information line, to reach vulnerable communities; it also initiated a guaranteed income pilot program to combat housing insecurity, which reveals the intricate weave of social safety nets being constructed and extended to remedy this chronic societal plight.
Recognizing that homelessness doesn't diminish solely due to policy, the City calls on its residents for continuous engagement, with donation programs for essential supplies and a publicized guide to assist those in need, which further cements the community's role in supporting the often unseen members of their midst.
