Long Beach Time Exchange

Created during the 2008 recession, our Time Banking network bridges social divides powerfully through the creation of sustainable, mutually beneficial solutions. With over 200 active members, LBTE seeks to end social isolation, alleviate unnecessary financial burdens, improve the environment, and connect locals to progressive organizations. LBTE goals and actions are based on community need and capability and the idea that every single person has strengths to bring to the proverbial table through the time banking system. The outcomes of participating in a program that builds a sharing economy like ours range from interpersonal to financial to environmental, to all of the above...In the past 4 years, our members have fixed 500+ items for the community at our various pop-up "Repair Cafes" and throughout our tenure have hosted countless free skill share workshops including fitness, gardening, crafting, and more. Recently our network (using #LBCmakers) coordinated the production and delivery of 1000+ handmade reusable face masks for front line essential workers and high risk folks, including but not limited to various medical teams and patients, senior citizens and their caretakers, people experiencing homelessness and farmers and workers at Harbor Area Farmers Markets. We are continually adapting to current COVID times while working to support our community partners and foster connection and reciprocity among neighbors. All the while, the city of Long Beach reaps the rewards of the relationships built among a diverse group of people in the community working closely together for the greater good. With over 18,000 hours exchanged between neighbors in our nine year history, our most formative accomplishment is the network of Long Beach community members we have built and all the lasting friendships and partnerships that have been made!

Testimonials

*Derald Tucker: Amateur plumber pays it forward*
After helping two members with a plumbing issue, Derald said, "It's not something I had expertise in, it's something I learned to do to save money ourselves for our family and then I just helped a couple of other people with the same issue. I see the Time Exchange as an alternative to currency but it goes beyond just saving money. We are keeping value circulating through time credits in our community as well as saving money for the future."

*Linda Cote & Barbara Fay: Handywoman exchange*
"Linda Cote aka Ms. McGyver did the impossible! She fixed my favorite walker wheel. I was so sad since the manufacturer had long ago discontinued production and there were no more parts available. No problem; using her imagination and splendid skill set she fashioned replacement bearing & bushings to make the necessary fittings. KUDOS to an inspiring Fixer!"

*Osunkoya Chavon: Local chef gives back to the community with free cooking classes*
"LBTE is something that is central to the fabric of Long Beach and makes us unique. It's such a radical system, it's definitely very special!"

*Elsa Mei Tung: Repair Cafe gratitude*
"The back collar button on one of my favorite blouses fell off making it unwearable, so it hung lifeless in my closet for over a year. Yes, it was just one silly button, but the way it was supposed to be sewn on required "invisible" stitches, and I didn't trust my own sewing skills for that. I finally went to Repair Cafe to get it fixed, and in just 5 minutes with super friendly and skilled service, my favorite "going out" blouse got a new life! A community-based Repair Cafe is such a treasure!"