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WomenShelter of Long Beach

Serving the Community Since 1977

History

History

 

Since 1977, WomenShelter of Long Beach has helped thousands of families overcome the trauma caused by domestic abuse. WSLB assists victims and their children by providing safe housing and supportive services, including an emergency shelter, 24-7 crisis hotline, counseling, social services support, legal and health advocacy, and much more.

WomenShelter was incorporated in 1977 with the support of local YWCA chapters, including Dr. Virginia Corbett, who donated the house that was used as the first supportive housing facility. Like many organizations at the time, the need was born out of the Battered Women’s Movement, or Domestic Violence Movement, of the 1970’s.

Staffed by a dedicated group of women, many survivors of domestic violence themselves, WSLB was a new model of safe haven for women and their children. There were no offices or outreach center then. In fact, the staff worked from TV trays in the 11-bed house’s living room.

During the ‘80s and ‘90s, WSLB expanded their programming beyond housing and began offering individual counseling, group counseling and other support groups in partnership with community centers, including Houghton Park in North Long Beach and St. Mary Medical Center in downtown Long Beach. In 1984, WSLB moved to a larger 10-bedroom, 31-bed facility. There was a need for permanent offices for outreach and administration, but resources weren’t available, so the agency continued serving the community in collaboration with other partnering organizations..

WomenShelter operated under the umbrella of the YWCA of Long Beach until 1994 when it was reorganized as The WomenShelter of Long Beach (WSLB).. In 1999, WSLB opened its innovative community-based, counseling and resource center to provide easily accessible services to victims of domestic and intimate partner violence in the community.

Today, WSLB continues to operate services out of our confidential emergency housing facility and walk-in resource center. Our programs and services are designed to be accessible and to meet the needs of the survivors we serve.