Transforming Lives, One Day at a Time: The Story of Care Closet LBC
At the core of Long Beach, where homelessness challenges are deeply felt, Care Closet LBC’s work is vital. Founded in 2019 by Sylvester “Duke” Givens, Care Closet LBC is more than just a non-profit organization. It is a movement aimed at transforming lives and restoring dignity to those who have lost their way.
A Dream Born from a Need for Change
The story of Care Closet LBC began with a dream. In 2019, lifelong Long Beach resident Givens repeatedly dreamed about helping the unhoused. As he watched his beloved city change in unfamiliar ways, he knew he had to act. What started as a simple act of cleaning quickly evolved into a full-fledged mission to transform lives.
“Any job worth doing starts with a good cleaning,” Givens recalls, reflecting on the early days of Care Closet LBC.
Transforming Lives; A Vision of Empowerment and Hope
With a mission rooted in daily volunteerism and the reformation of self, Care Closet LBC is showing that change begins with a simple, powerful act: showing up.
Today, Care Closet LBC stands as a major staple in the Long Beach community. It inspires hope and change daily. At Care Closet LBC, the vision is clear: to create a community where every individual has the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity, purpose, and hope. This vision is not just about providing temporary relief; it’s about fostering long-term transformation.
The organization believes that through meaningful volunteer opportunities, comprehensive career training, and consistent support, individuals can transition from surviving on the streets to thriving in secure living situations, new career paths, and purpose-driven lives.
“We want to see a Long Beach where the unhoused are empowered,” says Duke Givens, reflecting on the organization’s mission. “It’s about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving.”
The Goal: Cultivating Compassion and Responsibility
Through daily volunteerism, Care Closet LBC not only cleans the streets of Long Beach but also helps the unhoused rediscover a sense of purpose and consistency in their lives. Moreover, this ethic has led to life-changing opportunities for many volunteers, including job placements with Long Beach City Services, special housing arrangements, and even donated cars for those who go above and beyond.
“Our mission works because it’s grounded in the simple idea of caring for one’s city, surroundings, and life,” Givens explains. “It’s about helping people help themselves.”
Shaping the Future of Long Beach
Care Closet LBC aspires to be a benchmark for cities facing significant homelessness challenges. The organization aims to transform Long Beach into a model of compassion and effective support, demonstrating how to inspire the unhoused with purpose and hope.
While Care Closet LBC recognizes that it cannot solve homelessness alone. The organization believes in the power of reformation—both of self and community. Moreover, by instilling a sense of responsibility and belonging, Care Closet LBC is helping to create a cleaner, safer, and more compassionate Long Beach, one person at a time.
Building a Brighter Future, Together
Looking ahead, Care Closet LBC is hoping to start placing bids on property in Long Beach that will allow the organization to house its own village of heroes. Those striving to create a cleaner Long Beach, showing love to the streets, and ensuring that children grow up in neighborhoods they can be proud of.
“We’re working our way out of the hole of homelessness with purpose, daily volunteerism, and help from friends,” Givens says. “One person at a time, lil by lil, we’re transforming lives.”
In conclusion, Care Closet LBC stands as a testament to the power of showing up for oneself and one’s community. By fostering hope and responsibility, the organization is not just addressing homelessness—it’s eradicating it, creating a brighter, more inclusive Long Beach for all.
Our people are hurting, they’re hungry, and in need of the most important need of the human race: love. We are a nonprofit fighting homelessness for the people of Long Beach. Make a donation to support Care Closet LBC today at: https://CareClosetLBC.org
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