Building a Community One Friendship at a Time

Many Long Beach residents know Justin Rudd or his Community Action Team (CAT) events, such as the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade or Long Beach Touch-A-Truck.

He is often found doing yoga on the bluff or cruising the neighborhood on his moped with a half helmet that leaves his face open and smiling.

Many do not know what sculpted Rudd into the pillar of the community he is today.

A little over 35 years ago, a young Rudd lay in the bed of his college dorm struggling with the weight of being apart from his family and community.

“The first few days I would cry and think ‘what have I done?’,” Rudd said.

Rudd, born and raised in Ozark, Alabama, was in love with a capella choir. This inspired him to enroll in Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Back in Ozark, Rudd’s parents were local leaders.

His mother, an artist, was a champion of the local arts council. His father, a deacon in their church, coached a youth football league for many years. The work of both parents cemented the Rudd family as prevalent and active residents of Ozark.

When Rudd left for college, only a little over three hours away, it felt like he was moving across the country.

“It’s kind of like going through a storm,” Rudd said.

Those first few days of college were lonely. Until Rudd realized it was not that he was friendless. He just did not have friends yet.

“I could turn around as the rain was starting to fall, but I didn’t,” Rudd said. “I kept going, even in a storm and came out the other side.”

Rudd began to attend gatherings and seeking out friendships based on similar interests. He became so engaged in his college and church community that at times he had no urge to visit home and miss out on the activities in Birmingham. The storm had passed to sunny days.

In 1995, Rudd followed a relationship to California. The romance did not work out, but California would become Rudd’s permanent home.

One Friday afternoon, while stuck in 405 traffic, the storm of loneliness returned. He was again far from community and friends.

“You’ve got to keep taking tiny steps forward,” Rudd said. “Find someone, sit down, and start talking.”

Rudd began to look for those with similar interests. Those tiny steps and friendships gained led Rudd through the storm and into sunny Long Beach.

There his foray into community work was instigated by his personal interests. He organized beach clean-ups and speed dating events for LGB members, as well as the special events for dogs that led to the creation of Rosie’s Dog Beach.

Even though Rudd never set out to run a non-profit, he became further engaged in community events. Eventually creating CAT, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit.

Many non-profits focus on a single issue. CAT has a list of events as broad as Rudd’s own interests. Including benefit events for children, animals, art, adult education and more. Reflecting Rudd’s true focus to be on his community and friendships in it.

The only limitation that Rudd placed on events was to stay clear of issues that could be divisive.

“I want to unite the community,” Rudd said. “I want people to feel like they can thrive in any way that they are.”

Rudd still faces storms. Usually on the days before an event when his mind is flooded by a stressful to-do list. Today, they are small and overcome with the help of friends sharing the burdens.

His work has brought people together for over two decades. Friendships are forged at beach clean-ups and relationships sprout over a love of animals. Rudd even knows people who have met at his events and are now married.

“At the end of the day that makes it all worth it,” Rudd said.