Dear Friend --



Two weeks ago our City Council voted unanimously to provide temporary shelter to unaccompanied children arriving at our southern border. This humanitarian work is being undertaken by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is first and foremost an effort to move children into a humane environment as they are quickly reunited with family or a sponsor. The Long Beach shelter is temporary until August 1, has no impact on conventions, and is paid for by the federal government.



Over the past weeks, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support. So many of you have called, emailed or left messages asking how you can help. We are excited to announce that we have launched a new online city portal at longbeach.gov/migrantchildren <[link removed]> to coordinate efforts for community involvement.



We've also been informed that the children will be arriving sometime this week. Let’s show them a warm Long Beach welcome, and focus on being kind and compassionate.



Here’s how you can help.



Donating

The easiest and quickest way folks can support this effort is to donate online via the new Long Beach Migrant Children Support Fund <[link removed]> at the Long Beach Community Foundation.



The Long Beach Community Foundation, in partnership with the city and HHS, has launched the Long Beach Migrant Children Support Fund <[link removed]> to accept monetary donations from community members, local organizations and businesses. All donations are designated specifically to provide assistance and supportive resources to migrant children at our Long Beach shelter.



Providing Services/Volunteering

Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the work at the shelter should complete this interest form <[link removed]>. We will be sharing the information collected with HHS for review and consideration. Examples of services include:



- Food/meal services

- Education

- Recreation

- Mental health

- Entertainment

- Family reunification

- Child supervision

- Legal services

- Religious services

- Language translation

- Case management

- Facility set-up assistance

- Health care



If you are interested in volunteering in some way, please fill out this volunteer form here <[link removed]>. We plan to launch our first volunteer effort later this week.



All of this information can also be found at longbeach.gov/migrantchildren <[link removed]>.



Thank you all and let’s do the right thing.



Thank you,



Mayor Robert Garcia







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Robert Garcia - Mayor of Long Beach - 411 W Ocean Blvd 11th Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States

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