Care Closet a Solution for Homeless Needs

Roberto Vazquez
VOLUNTEERS loading a flatbed trailer, bound for a local landfill.

Duke Givens is a busy man. His cellphone rings, seemingly every couple of minutes, preventing him from being interviewed.

Finally, he is ready to speak about his work with his non-profit, Care Closet, LBC.

He stands proudly, a warm smile spread across his face, and he begins to direct a small group of volunteers, their faces caked with sweat and dust, as they labor with heavy, plastic bags containing all kinds of trash and throw them onto a large flatbed trailer, bound for a local landfill.

On this particular day, the clean-up project is located a short distance north of Willow, parallel to the 710 freeway, just shy of the 405 freeway.

The air is heavy with dust and the putrid smell of waste, yet no one complains, as they busily stack the trailer, which has been generously volunteered for the clean-up.

Meanwhile, Givens directs his team, answers his cell phone yet again and explains how the trash pile has grown in size over time.

Referring to a large sofa, “See, a lot of this is people (in the neighborhood) using this area as a dumping spot.”

Givens shares how he came to be involved with helping the homeless population, citing a serious back injury. “I couldn’t walk four years ago. When I started to walk (again), it gave me a deep sense of compassion for my fellow man.”

His experience since then has also taught him how homelessness often develops, noting some of the dynamics frequently involved. “Family (issues), a lack of foundation, mental illness… I’ve noticed substance abuse plays a big part of it.”

Asked if it’s possible to tell when someone has broken the cycle of homelessness, Givens replied, “You can’t (know)… it’s just a day-by-day thing. Being mindful of the triggers that can send you back.”

The phone rings again and Givens is informed of a new issue, one requiring a group of volunteers to clean up a pile of manure, unceremoniously dumped in a nearby alley. He smiles again, apologizes for the latest interruption and tells his guests he must leave in order to get supplies for the alley work.

Asked if a brick and mortar storage facility exists for the donated goods to Care Closet, Givens shakes his head and says, “When it’s time. Working mostly out of the truck for now… we turn it (the donated goods) right around.”

He tells a reporter there is a current GoFundMe campaign for Care Closet, LBC, and Givens notes, “it’s 50% reached.”

In addition to leading Care Closet, Duke Givens is a successful professional photographer, stating, “I was Snoop Dogg’s first photographer.”

Since that time, he has documented the plight of the homeless, including a photo exhibit currently on display at the Expo Arts Center, located at 4321 Atlantic Ave.

He cites his parents for his successful photography career, “My parents bought me a Canon AE-1. I got married to it the moment I developed my first picture.”

Dealing with the homelessness issue, Givens is well aware of how fragile the early years of life can be, noting the importance his father played, in particular. “My Dad ‘stood his post’ during the most turbulent time of my life.”

Two guests on this day were Lisa and Jordan Rappa.

“We met (Givens) at the Arts Center. His photos just took my breath away. It really hit home,” says Lisa Rappa.

Having spent many years as a single mom, helping in schools and community, Rappa says, “My son and I were amazed with how he set up such a great program to get the homeless working and we’re anxious to help.”

Having started the same year COVID-19 arrived, Givens is asked what his organization’s biggest obstacle is. He replies, “Time… people have so many different needs these days.”

Despite this obstacle, he shares his long-term goal, “I would like Care Closet to be cutting edge with ideas to house the homeless … container homes, or mini homes, is the ultimate purpose.”

Whatever the future holds, Givens remains optimistic. “Something can happen that can change your whole perspective in one day, for the good!”

As an example, he mentioned one volunteer, a woman named “Josie,” who had been living on the streets for ten years. “She volunteered (with Care Closet) and was hired by a local petroleum company. They saw she was ‘present’ and showing up for her own life... meaning showing up on time, cleaning up the city. She’s now off the streets and has a place.”

His cell phone rings again.

Before leaving, he excuses himself, shakes hands with his guests, then jumps in his truck, a smile still on his face.

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