Wrap the Kids Helps the Homeless Stay Warm

As many celebrate Christmas inside cozy and warm homes, lots of people are outside on the streets in the cold air.

Some of Long Beach’s homeless are destitute for a short while and get reestablished. Others stay outdoors long-term. They can be shunned, forgotten and misunderstood.

Many of the homeless are disabled citizens who cannot afford the cost of living in Southern California. The around-$900 they receive from Supplemental Security Income is often not enough for rent and living expenses.

Some are U.S. military veterans.

Others have lost a job after living paycheck to paycheck and suddenly cannot pay the rent.

Some people on the streets have made bad choices in the past. Some have done time in jail; and after getting released, have trouble finding work and establishing a new residence.

A number have been damaged as children through physical or sexual abuse and have turned to drugs and/or alcohol to help cope with life.

Some have deep emotional wounds and have been through the foster care system.

The reasons for homelessness are many, with each person having a unique story.

Susanna Twaite, president of Wrap the Kids, doesn’t place judgment. She welcomes and loves those who come to her. An official 501(c) (3) nonprofit, Wrap the Kids accepts donations from the public and in turn helps the poor.

Based out of a small storefront at 297 E. Artesia Blvd., just east of Long Beach Boulevard, Twaite and her volunteers – most of whom are homeless themselves – give back to the homeless community by providing free clothing, hygiene kits, food items, blankets and other much-needed support.

People can come in, share a laugh, grab a snack, use the sink to wash up and sit in a chair in a safe place before going back out.

“We’re rebuilding their self-worth,” said Twaite, 59. “Don’t assume. Ask their story. Ask them why they’re homeless.”

After having difficulties herself, Twaite started Wrap the Kids four years ago out of a van. Then it grew to a “shed.” Now she runs the storefront resource center for the homeless of north Long Beach, which she says is the only one for the area.

She hopes to expand to a larger location.

“None of this would happen without God,” she said.

The nonprofit has garnered financial support from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls-North Long Beach, the Los Angeles Lions Club and others. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church gave food and clothing. Recognitions from the City of Long Beach and other entities hang on the wall.

One of Twaite’s specialties is making quilts. She and the volunteers have stitched many over the years on a trusty Brother sewing machine.

“I’ve put about 500 blankets through that,” she said.

And the volunteers have made countless numbers, she added.

The covers go to sick children, the homeless and whoever needs one.

Twaite said volunteers from Temple Israel Long Beach have given lots of assistance.

“The Jewish community has been just wonderful to us,” she said.

Andrea Friedenthal, a Lakewood resident and Temple Israel project chair, spread the word about Wrap the Kids at the synagogue.

She said Temple volunteers have given money for quilt material, helped with food banks, created hygiene kits, provided bus tokens, labored in many ways and accomplished a long list of things.

Temple volunteers cut fabric and families took home blankets to work on, she added.

“There are all kinds of amazing things going on,” she said of the work. “I think everybody’s willing to help when they know what to do.”

John Andrews, a Fifth District resident and grant writer for Wrap the Kids, has worked in healthcare for 40 years. He has around 15 years of grant writing experience and joined Wrap the Kids three years ago.

“During that time we have helped raise approximately $5,000 in grants, donations, etc.,” he said in an email.

Cleo Page, Wrap the Kids vice president, assists Twaite in coordinating fundraisers, feeding events and special programs such as the Easter basket giveaway, makeover day and the Christmas toy giveaway, which takes place at the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Home Street Saturday, Dec. 22 starting at 9 a.m.

Page, a producer, artist, actor and songwriter, once lived in his van for a year-and-a-half but now has an apartment.

“Everybody has a story,” he said. “Some people have choices; some people don’t.”

Patsy, a Wrap the Kids volunteer driver, currently sleeps on her son’s couch because she can’t afford a place of her own. After suffering brain aneurisms, she had to quit working. Surgery removed some blood clots, but others remain.

“She can use the help and I enjoy helping her,” Patsy said of Twaite.

Michael Martinez has been without a home for a year-and-a-half. He sleeps along the 91 freeway. One day a local party supply store owner saw him and offered him a commission job delivering and setting up for events, he said.

Martinez said he made bad decisions before but has turned his life around. Now he is working and saving up for an apartment. In the meantime, he appreciates Wrap the Kids, where he can charge his phone, heat something up in the microwave and shave.

“We have a place to wash up,” he said.

Evelyn Mosely, of Tree of Life Women’s Empowerment Fellowship, brought items that her ministry of women did not use.

“I spotted this place and it’s a godsend,” Mosely said, adding the world needs more people like Twaite.

Meanwhile, Twaite chooses to spend her personal, fixed income on paying rent for the storefront rather than on an apartment for herself. She “couch surfs” by rotating living spaces between friends.

“I have peace and happiness,” she said. “I may be considered less fortunate, but for me, I’m happy. I’m rich. Money can’t buy that.”

For more information, visit www.wrapthekids.org.

kirt@beachcomber.news