Help Amanda give to neighbors like a friend

The HHS Fund provides Direct Client Support to Health Department clients like a friend who cares, with flexible support that gets more impacted folks out of tough spots. We help each other out because health matters. For Long Beach Gives, my friend John and Multi-Service Center client Vondella are my heroes. 

John's Story: John and I met in the Long Beach arts community over a decade ago and have helped each other out over the years. When I learned hewas experiencing homelessness during the pandemic, I offered him a place to stay once or twice a week, depending on what worked, and we shared many meals together. I am thankful that John has stable housing now and is pursuing brighter opportunities, but more neighbors need stability, security, and safety. 

The HHS Fund provides just that — a safe, warm place to stay, nutritious food, and many other basic needs — to Long Beach's most vulnerable community members.

HHS Fund Success Stories: Long Beach community members connected to many Health Department programs have received critical assistance. After experiencing homelessness, Vondella made her new stable housing a home, with the HHS Fund stocking her fridge and pantry, and even providing a sofa bed. "Ella" escaped domestic abuse, and HHS Fund support afforded transitional lodging and groceries for her children. For a participant living out of their car, temporary accommodations and basic needs goods were awarded.

Hard realities: I work with inspiring teams at the Health Department — the dedicated people who care for communities every day. We're looking at a challenging future. Federal funding priorities are shifting; policy changes in 2026–2027 mean that nearly 850,000 people in LA County will lose health care, become food insecure, or both. With sky-high gas prices and grocery bills, these expenses are too much for some families to bear. 

When we give like we give to friends, we strengthen community health!

• $25 could give an older adult a ride to a medical appointment
• $50 could provide basic hygiene products for someone experiencing homelessness
• $100 could give a single mom of three groceries for a week
• $250 could support critical medical equipment for someone experiencing crisis

For neighbors reliant on public health care, supporters give hope in precarious times.

Every dollar helps. Thank you for donating by September 24!