After Christmas Tree Arson, Long Beach Shelter Seeks Donations As It Rebuilds

LONG BEACH, CA — The Long Beach Rescue Mission is in the process of rebuilding its women and children's shelter after a woman set fire to a Christmas tree inside the facility last month, according to reports.

Surveillance video shows a woman lighting the tree on fire inside the mission's Lydia House on Dec. 22. The fire spread and caused extensive damages to the shelter's first floor. The woman, who was living in the shelter, has been arrested, NBC 4 reported.

"We're in the process of remediation. Unfortunately they're going to have to gut the entire first floor. It's going to take some time, but the space is going to be beautiful. There's hope of new life," Rescue Mission Executive Director Jeffrey Levine said in a social media video.

The 47 people who had been evacuated following the fire are now living on the shelter's second floor, NBC 4 reported.

Long Beach Rescue Mission's Lydia House provides shelter to women and their children. It assists those who are facing abuse, addiction, financial hardship and homelessness. Case workers help residents find additional care with a goal of moving guests into semi-permanent housing, according to the organization's website.

The fire also damaged the shelter's supplies. Levine told the Press-Telegram that they had to throw out all of the shelter's blankets and are seeking donations of blankets, warm clothing, canned food, prepared meals and hygiene kits.

Information about how to donate is available at the Long Beach Rescue Mission's website.