Recent graduate says Long Beach Public Service Corps helped her move off the streets, urges others to apply

Phoebe Esperanza Seguelles, a recent graduate of California State University, Long Beach and a fellow in the Long Beach Public Service Corps fellowship, told meeting attendees she faced homelessness before joining the program and urged others to apply.

Seguelles said she dropped out of school and experienced housing instability, including “renting rooms,” “sleeping on couches” and, on some nights, “sleeping in my car.” She also described periods of unemployment and food insecurity before applying to the fellowship.

“I would say definitely don't give up hope and use your resources,” Seguelles said. “I would not be here if I didn't keep a right attitude every day, asking questions, being curious, being inquisitive, not being afraid.” She said she applied near the application deadline and, after her interview, was placed with the Office of Youth Development.

At the end of her remarks Seguelles encouraged listeners to consider service programs, saying, “Join California service corps today.” The timing and details of future application windows were not specified in the remarks.

Her comments were presented as personal testimony during the meeting’s public-comment portion; no formal action, vote, or direction to staff was recorded in connection with her remarks.