Dear Friend --

We are working hard to make sure our seniors have the resources and care they need to get through this health crisis. I’m especially excited about our partnership with World Central Kitchen.

Long Beach has seen a disproportionate impact on older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Of the 18 deaths attributed to COVID-19 thus far, 13 are associated with cases in long-term care facilities. Twelve of the fatalities were older than 70 years of age and every fatality had an underlying health condition.

Older adults self-quarantined in their homes may face unique challenges to meet their physical, social and emotional needs. To meet these needs, numerous organizations are providing the following services:

Older Adult Resource Line 

• Operated by the Long Beach Health Department every week day, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Provides resources for food delivery, home supplies, prescription delivery services, utility restoration and mental health resources.
• Call 562-570-INFO and select option 5.

Food Delivery

• Meals on Wheels is providing fresh hot dinners and cold lunches and is also currently recruiting additional volunteers to support these services. Call 562-439-5000 and select option 0 or visit their website at mowlb.org/.
• Salvation Army operates a food pantry and delivers food boxes to older adults in quarantine as well as families with restrictions. Call 562-247-3528 for more information.
• World Central Kitchen (WCK) is partnering with local businesses to provide nourishing meals for care facilities for older adults. WCK is funding local restaurants to cook the meals and is partnering with local UPS to deliver them. Meals are currently being provided to the care facilities below. For more information, visit WCK.org.
  • Plymouth West
  • Park Pacific Tower
  • City View
  • Providence Gardens
  • Little Sisters of the Poor (San Pedro)
  • Senior Arts Colony

Food Distribution

• Local nonprofits make meals available for pickup at several locations in Long Beach. Call the Older Adult Resource Line at 562-570-INFO and select option 5 to learn more about food distribution points in Long Beach.

 Delivery Services

• The Los Angeles County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) is providing temporary delivery services to older adults (ages 60 years and older), dependent adults or permanently or temporarily disabled individuals who are unable to leave their home due to COVID-19.
• WDACS will send a taxi to deliver groceries, household items and vital necessities to your home. No charge for delivery; limited to four deliveries per month.
• Call WDACS at 888-863-7411 for more details on eligibility.

Friendly Caller Program

• Heart of Ida, in coordination with the Long Beach Senior Police Partners, established this program to match trained and caring volunteers with older adults who may feel socially isolated.
• To volunteer or participate, call 562-570-3548.

Many of the organizations that provide these resources are supported in part by the Long Beach Coronavirus Relief Fund, which has already distributed more than $475,000 to 31 Long Beach area nonprofits.