Explore the stories and impact behind each of our key metrics. CityHeART’s numbers represent real lives, real change, and the collective effort of a community committed to making a difference.
People Served (2084):
This number reflects the unduplicated individuals of Veterans, seniors, adults, and children who have received support through CityHeART’s programs and services. Each person represents a unique story of resilience and hope.
These individuals receive a range of services tailored to their needs, including case management to help them navigate complex systems such as housing and healthcare, resource navigation to connect them with essential services like employment support and childcare, and therapeutic support through therapeutic and creative arts programming. Additionally, we provide advocacy services, peer mentoring, and emergency assistance for immediate crises. On a regular basis, we also distribute essential items such as food, clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, and household supplies to address immediate needs and enhance stability. By meticulously tracking these cases, we ensure that each individual’s journey is honored, their progress is documented, and their unique needs are addressed.
Resources Provided (1247):
Counted here are essential items like clothing, hygiene kits, and household supplies (excluding food). These resources help individuals regain stability and dignity.
Our distribution team carefully tracks the type and quantity of resources provided, as well as the demographics of recipients. This ensures equity and helps identify areas for expanding services. : Our services include providing essential items that address the immediate and ongoing needs of individuals and families. These include clothing for all seasons, hygiene kits equipped with daily necessities, warm blankets for those facing harsh conditions, and household supplies such as cleaning products and basic tools. We also create “Welcome Home Kits” for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing. These kits include essentials like bedding, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, and personal items to help them feel safe and settled in their new space. Additionally, we offer specialized kits for children, including school supplies, and tailored items for individuals with specific needs, such as disability aids or gender-specific products. By focusing on these tangible supports, we aim to restore dignity and stability while fostering a sense of hope and resilience in the community. These services are designed to meet people where they are, offering comfort and care during critical moments.
Food Distributed (3842):
This number includes hot meals and food packages delivered to families and individuals in need. This effort ensures that no one in our community goes hungry.
Food distribution numbers are recorded by volunteers and partners who track the frequency, locations, and specific items provided. This allows us to adapt to the changing needs of our community.
CityHeART distributes food on Thursdays from 12-2pm as a first-come, first-served drop-in service, open to anyone in Long Beach for grocery packages; we also serve hot meals on Friday afternoons as part of our Free Lunch Friday program, and we provide emergency food packages on request for case managers who request or refer their clients to us for immediate relief from food insecurity.
Programs Offered (172):
This number reflects hours of therapeutic programming offered to help individuals process trauma, build skills, and find creative outlets for healing.
Each program is designed to provide therapeutic, creative, and community-based support for participants at all stages of their journey. Our therapeutic art programs offer workshops in painting, writing, and other creative outlets, helping individuals process trauma, express emotions, and build confidence through self-expression. Wellness programs focus on holistic approaches, including mindfulness exercises, yoga, and stress-relief techniques that promote mental and physical well-being. Peer support groups create a safe space for sharing experiences and building a sense of belonging, offering participants the opportunity to connect, heal, and grow together. These programs are continually refined based on participant feedback to ensure they are impactful, accessible, and aligned with the unique needs of our community.
Hours Contributed (14,573):
This number represents the volunteer time donated by community members, demonstrating the incredible generosity and dedication of those who support our mission.
Volunteer hours are logged through a digital tracking system, ensuring accurate documentation of time and tasks. This data showcases the collective impact of our volunteers and helps us celebrate their contributions.
Stories Told (143):
This is a reflection of the number of published stories through CityHeART’s Art from Ashes. CityHeART celebrates lived experiences; we believe that the only story we get to tell is our own, and it is a central element of our work to hold safe spaces and facilitate platforms for community members to share their own stories. In this way, we raise awareness of community experiences and needs, celebrate resilience, and forge deep, lasting connections.
Every story we share is a testament to resilience, strength, and the human spirit. These stories are curated, crafted, and published with heartfelt enthusiasm and support from contributors, ensuring authenticity and respect for their journeys. By documenting the origins and themes of each story, we amplify the voices of our community members, bringing light to their experiences, triumphs, and unique perspectives. This work is deeply aligned with our mission to foster connection, understanding, and empathy within our city. Each story we tell builds a bridge between individuals, breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and reminding us all of our shared humanity. These narratives are not just words; they are a call to action to support, to heal, and to love our community more deeply.
How We Track Our Numbers:
- Integrated Data Systems: We use a combination of case management software, volunteer tracking tools, and manual records to capture accurate and up-to-date data.
- Community Feedback: Surveys and direct feedback from participants help us validate our numbers and improve our services.
- Collaboration with Partners: Data-sharing agreements with partner organizations ensure that our metrics reflect a comprehensive view of community impact.
- Regular Audits: Our team conducts regular reviews of data to ensure transparency and accuracy in reporting.