What Bridges at Kraemer Place offers and who it serves
Bridges at Kraemer Place is a shelter operated by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in Long Beach, California. It provides emergency overnight beds, meals, and basic services to people experiencing homelessness. The shelter does not require advance reservations — you can arrive during intake hours and request a bed the same night.
The shelter accepts single adults and some families, though capacity and may be able to access rules change based on current funding and operational status. LAHSA shelters prioritize people who are unsheltered (sleeping outside or in vehicles) over those already in other shelters or transitional housing. If you are currently staying somewhere else, staff will ask about that during intake.
Bridges at Kraemer Place is one of several LAHSA-run shelters in Long Beach. The specific services available — such as case management, mental health support, or substance use counseling — vary by location and funding. Not every shelter offers every service, so asking what is available on-site matters when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You can arrive during intake hours without calling ahead; staff will assess your situation and assign a bed if space is available.
- Bring photo identification if you have it, though lack of ID does not automatically disqualify you from shelter.
- The shelter provides a bed and meals, but services like case management or counseling may require separate enrollment or referral.
- If the shelter is full, LAHSA staff can refer you to other shelters or services in Long Beach that may have space.
- Rules about length of stay, curfew, and what you can bring vary by shelter; ask staff when you arrive.
How to get a bed and what to bring
Walk in during the shelter's posted intake hours — typically in the late afternoon or early evening. You will speak with intake staff who will ask basic questions: your name, whether you have been in the shelter system before, where you have been sleeping, and whether you have any when ready health or safety concerns. This conversation helps staff understand your situation and connect you with appropriate services.
Bring photo identification if you have it — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you do not have ID, you can still stay at the shelter, though some services or benefits may require identification later. Bring any medications you take regularly, as the shelter may not have them on hand. Bring only what you can carry; most shelters have limited storage space and restrictions on what items you can keep in your bed area.
Ask staff about the shelter's specific rules when you arrive. Rules typically cover curfew times, where you can be during the day, what happens if you leave and want to return the same night, and what items are prohibited (weapons, drugs, alcohol). These rules exist to keep everyone safe and are enforced consistently.
Services available at the shelter
Every LAHSA shelter provides a bed and at least one meal per day. Many also offer shower facilities, clean clothing, and access to a phone. Beyond that, services depend on the shelter's funding and staffing. Bridges at Kraemer Place may have case managers on-site who can help you understand your options for longer-term housing, benefits, or employment — but you will need to ask staff directly what is available.
If you need mental health support, substance use treatment, or medical care, the shelter may have staff who can refer you to community providers rather than offer services directly. LAHSA also runs a coordinated entry system that assesses your needs and prioritizes you for permanent supportive housing based on vulnerability and length of homelessness. Staying at a LAHSA shelter puts you into that system, which can be a path to housing, though the wait varies by location and funding.
Ask about services during intake or speak with a case manager if one is available. Do not assume a service exists just because you need it — staff can tell you what is actually there and what they can connect you to in the community.
Length of stay and what happens next
LAHSA shelters are emergency facilities, not permanent housing. Length of stay typically ranges from a few nights to a few months, depending on the shelter's policy and your situation. Some shelters have a maximum stay (for example, 30 or 90 days), while others operate on a rolling basis. Ask staff about the specific policy at Bridges at Kraemer Place when you arrive.
Before your stay ends, case management staff (if available) should discuss your next steps with you. Options may include permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, staying with family or friends, or moving to another shelter. If you are in the coordinated entry system, your priority for permanent housing is based on how long you have been homeless and your vulnerability — not on how long you have stayed at a particular shelter.
If you are asked to leave or your stay is ending, staff should tell you in advance and help you understand your options. If you believe you are being discharged unfairly or without proper notice, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact LAHSA's main office to report the issue.
Rules, safety, and what to do if there is a problem
Shelters have rules to protect everyone's safety and dignity. Common rules include no weapons, no drugs or alcohol, no violence or threats, and respect for other residents' belongings and space. Violations can result in a warning, temporary suspension, or permanent discharge depending on severity. Staff should explain the rules clearly during intake.
If you witness abuse, theft, or unsafe conditions, report it to shelter staff when ready. If staff do not respond or if you feel unsafe, contact LAHSA's main office or the Long Beach Police Department's non-emergency line. You can also reach out to local advocacy organizations that work with homeless populations — they can advocate on your behalf if you believe your rights have been violated.
If you have a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to follow shelter rules (for example, a mental health condition that causes outbursts, or a mobility issue that makes curfew difficult), tell intake staff. Shelters are required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, though what is possible depends on the shelter's resources.
Other LAHSA shelters and services in Long Beach
If Bridges at Kraemer Place is full or not the right fit, LAHSA runs other shelters in Long Beach with different services and rules. The coordinated entry system can help match you to a shelter that suits your needs. You can also call 211 (a free referral service) to learn what shelter beds are currently available in your area.
Beyond emergency shelter, Long Beach has transitional housing programs, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing programs. These serve people who are ready to move beyond emergency shelter but need support to stay housed. Case managers at the shelter can refer you, or you can ask 211 about programs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ID to stay at the shelter?
No. Photo identification helps with intake paperwork and accessing some services, but lack of ID does not prevent you from getting a bed. Tell staff if you do not have ID, and they can work with you on alternatives like a birth certificate or other documents you might have.
Can I stay at the shelter if I have a pet?
Most LAHSA shelters do not allow pets in the sleeping areas. Some shelters have partnerships with local animal rescues to board pets temporarily while you stay. Ask staff about pet policies and options when you arrive — do not assume your pet cannot stay in the area.
What if I leave during the day and want to come back at night?
Many shelters allow residents to leave during the day and return for the night, though you may need to check in with staff. Some shelters require you to leave by a certain time in the morning and return by a certain time in the evening. Ask about the specific schedule at Bridges at Kraemer Place during intake.
Can I bring my partner or family member if they are also homeless?
That depends on the shelter's capacity and whether it serves families or couples. Some LAHSA shelters are for single adults only, while others accept families. If you and your partner or family member need shelter, ask intake staff whether you can stay together or whether you will be referred to different locations.
What happens if I violate a shelter rule?
Most shelters give a warning for minor violations. Serious violations like violence, weapons, or drugs can result in temporary suspension or permanent discharge. If you are discharged, ask staff to explain why and whether you can appeal the decision. You can also contact LAHSA or a local advocacy organization if you believe the discharge was unfair.