In city centers throughout the country, including Downtown Long Beach, homelessness is a persistent issue. “We engage with the unhoused all day, every day,” said Sara Payne, Operations Manager for Block By Block, the company contracted by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) to run its Clean and Safe Team and oversee the DTLB Alliance’s Homeless Outreach Program (HOC). “We all come into work knowing we’ll be working very hard to make their lives better, making sure we are part of the solution.”
Block by Block Operations Manager Sara Payne
The Homeless Outreach Program began in December of 2023, after being presented as part of the DTLB Alliance’s Strategic Plan. It was approved by the city as part of the Alliance’s contract renewal process. Juan Torres, DTLB Alliance’s Operations Manager, explained that he and his colleagues make sure the HOC is supported in every aspect. “It takes time to establish relationships with homeless individuals, but we’re getting there,” he said.
The most active HOC role belongs to Quiara Grey, DTLB Alliance’s Homeless Outreach Coordinator. On the job for about two months, she brings a wealth of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and has helped countless people since she began doing homeless outreach in Orange County in 2019.
DTLB Alliance Homeless Outreach Coordinator Quiara Grey
“My favorite way of describing Quiara’s role is ‘concierge.’ She functions as a middleman, connecting homeless individuals with caseworkers representing agencies such as Christian Outreach in Action, the Long Beach Rescue Mission, and the city’s Multi-Service Center. Quiara has the freedom to deal with whatever an unhoused person needs,” Payne explained.
Grey is on Downtown streets daily, meeting and establishing rapport with homeless people. “My goal is to contact 20 people a day,” she said. “That’s 400 a month. Because we’re near the bus transit area, there are new faces each day. I introduce myself and ask if they’re connected to services. I try to gauge what they’re connected to, and let them know what resources are available. I let them know that being on the street doesn’t have to be their last and final option.”
With Grey’s help, homeless individuals can receive food, legal services, clothing, shelter, assistance in obtaining I.D. vouchers, connections with detox and rehab centers, and more. “I’m constantly working on growing a resource list, so I have a solution on hand for whatever they need.
DTLB Alliance Operations Manager Juan Torres and Public Safety Committee Member Rob Smith dropping off donations from the “Fresh Start” campaign. Fresh start is a program the DTLB Alliance organizes to help the unhoused in DTLB.
“Many people don’t understand what hinders people from getting a fresh start,” Grey continued. “Many have mental health issues that must be addressed. Just getting someone housed and thinking that’s enough doesn’t work. You have to deal with the whole person. They deserve to be treated with respect. They deserve fresh clothing, healthy food, and good medical care. They were ‘someone’ before they were on the street. They go through their day unnoticed. Just giving them a smile or listening to them talking about their day makes a huge difference.”