The community gathered on Oct. 20, in support of nonprofit organization Leaders In Power Inc.’s community giveback day, “Stronger Together.” Attendees were encouraged to bring gently worn shoes, clothes, and other essentials in support of L.A. County’s homeless population.
The homeless crisis in Los Angeles has grown significantly over the years, with Skid Row being home to thousands of unhoused individuals. Substance abuse, mental health issues, and job scarcity, are just some of the many factors that contribute to the ongoing issue of housing insecurity. Local groups and organizations are consistently working hard to combat this crisis by providing essential services and resources; Leaders In Power Inc. being one of them.
Stronger Together took place outside of seafood restaurant Catch 21 and provided health services to those in need by street medical team “Wound Walk.” Pizza and haircuts were also given to the unhoused.
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Also in attendance were Nonprofit organizations Humanity heroes, who provided essentials to the unhoused community, Chosen Hearts, Hope to Help USA, and others.
With music provided by DJ QwessCoast, the event included a plethora of celebrity and local leaders in attendance including former Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, 5X UFC Welterweight Champion, Tyron Woodley, CEO of 1500 or Nothin’, Larrance Dopson, founder and CEO of The Source LA, Rocsii Woodley, and more.
Sharis Rhodes, chief of staff to Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, 2023 Ms. USA Universe, and 2024 Miss. Inglewood, is the CEO of Leaders In Power and mastermind behind Sunday’s event. Her nonprofit organization is dedicated to ending homelessness, uplifting and empowering at-risk and homeless youth through collaborative efforts, partnerships, and essential resources.
“The inspiration behind this event is Lamar Odom and I decided to come together. His story of substance abuse; knowing that is the common denominator here when it comes to being houseless and people living actually on the street,” Rhodes explained.
“I, myself, have experienced housing insecurity with my three year old son. Now I am in a position of power to leverage and be able to inspire and get people to collaborate and push the needle forward,” she said.
“I believe that it’s important to have people who have powerful, compelling stories to be able to shine light to push that needle forward, because sometimes it does take that too,” Rhodes told the Sentinel.
Throughout the event, Rhodes made sure she greeted and spoke to those in attendance. A smile never left her face, and it was evident that she was grateful for everyone who made time to come support. Odom also ensured that he posed for photos with attendees and told the Sentinel that being at the giveback day meant “a lot” to him.
“It’s easy for me to give back to people who don’t have anything,” Odom said.
When asked how he and Rhodes made this day possible, he responded, “Just had the heart and the idea. I want to do it every Sunday if I could.”
For more information on Leaders In Power, visit https://leadersinpower.org.
