Long Beach Rescue Mission opens the John and Helen Apostle House for men with disabilities

The Long Beach Rescue Mission on Monday will officially open the doors to the John and Helen Apostle House - a 15-bed facility designed to meet the needs of unhoused men with physical disabilities.
At an open house celebration on Friday, Executive Director Jeff Levine said he wanted to convert a storefront property owned by the Mission at 223 W. Anaheim St. into a specialized facility that could broaden their outreach ministry.
"When our Samaritan House, a 150-bed shelter for men, was built in the late eighties, they didn't have the same requirements," says Levine. "So, all but three of our beds are upstairs, and every day, we turn away men with disabilities who can't access the beds that we have."
With the help of generous donations, including $1 million donated by the Johan and Helen Apostle Foundation -- and an anonymous donation that covers three years of operating costs, the Mission broke ground on the John and Helen Apostle House in September.
The facility is completely wheelchair accessible - a feature District 1 councilwoman Mary Zendejas applauded. "Being a woman with a disability, it really hits home," she said.
Zendejas stressed the importance of making people with disabilities feel seen, wanted, and given the opportunity to live with dignity. She applauded the wheelchair ramp, beds that allow for easy access, and roll-in showers with a built-in bench. "It's so beautiful, and there are so many men who are going to be helped here,' she said.
Mayor Rex Richardson noted the expedient process of opening the facility and stressed the importance of community partners. "We're just really proud that now we have another crucial aspect to help in our repertoire of support for the community," said Richardson.
Richardson says the City is still focused on addressing the homeless issue and is proud of the steps taken thus far. "We're inspired when we see the amount of focus that our city has been able to put out by deploying, partnering with the rescue mission," she said.
The work of the Mission has prompted support from volunteers as well. James Farlow, a Spectrum employee, recommended the Mission for the Spectrum employee-driven grants program.
In his nomination, Farbelow expressed his pride in volunteering and donating to the Mission and its commitment to bettering the lives of others. "To me, that is what the grant is all about," said Farbelow. "Neighbor helping neighbor and people lifting up those around us to improve our communities."
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about the Long Beach Rescue Mission, visit them online at LBRM.org.