Homelessness

The Church is seen as a contributor to homelessness.  At a Homeless Coalition meeting, Long Beach residents voted the Church as the second contributor to increasing homelessness, after drugs and alcohol.  This should NOT be!  How can we, as the Church of the City, work with the city to elevate homelessness?  How can we change the city's perspective of the Church to be seen as a valuable asset and essential to the community?

Kingdom Causes Long Beach and other organizations are partnering together to train and find tangible ways for the Church to be involved in city-wide efforts around homelessness.

Homeless Assistance Training
During a HAT, a panel of professionals working in homelessness equip participants in the realities of homelessness, expectations for those wanting to be involved, basic case management, 10 opportunities to serve today and guidelines for a long term commitment.  Click here to contact us about more information or to RSVP.

Homeless Assistance Training 2.0
HAT 2.0 is focused on relationship building with homeless neighbors.  Participants will learn to set goals and boundaries, frame mutual expectations, establish healthy two-way conversation and many more skills.  Attendance to HAT is NOT required, but is recommended.  Click here to contact us about more information or to RSVP.

 

Homeless Hospitality Teams

In July 2009, Long Beach Connections performed extensive surveys of 350 people living on the streets within downtown Long Beach. From the survey, the coalition started the Homeless Connections Initiative (HCI), securing permanent housing for people on the streets, coordinating street outreach efforts and mobilizing the community. HCI is moving forward with great success! To date over 50 individuals have been moved off the street, into permanent housing and there are more move-ins scheduled.

In partnership with Long Beach Connections, Kingdom Causes has assumed the responsibility of overseeing collection, storage and installation of basic furniture and household items that are necessary for housekeeping.

Kingdom Causes’ goals for the Homeless Connections Initiative are two fold. First, we want to assist people to move into their apartments by providing furniture and household items. Secondly, we want to provide long-term support by establishing relationships with these individuals. One of the ways we are accomplishing these goals is by organizing Homeless Hospitality Teams in local congregations and faith-based organizations.

Click here to read an article in the Press Telegram

For more information or to be a Homeless Hospitality Team, please email longbeach@kingdomcauses.org