Collage of various social and cultural activities connected by dotted lines, against a dark starry background. Includes photos of group gathering, people in costumes, a musical duo with a guitar, individuals holding signs, and a TV showing a Teletubbies-like character. Also, two boxes of products on a brown surface.

Chesapeayikes

In 2017, Ray, Kyle, and Alex decided to move into a house together to be able to better host community. The first listing on the search list turned out to be the perfect spot: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an office, garage, and backyard on a street named Chesapeake Ave in West Adams. What would ensue from 2017-2029 would be the incubator for so much goodness in 2020+ beyond anyone’s imagination. The power of a third space is so real! Wondershops like Wonderfull Wednesdays began as 5 friends coming together after work to connect and share, to 40 people in the backyard trying improv games, connection-building exercises, and small group discussions. Backyard boxing, horror movie nights, Coachella-themed party called Chellapeayikes (Coachella, Chesapeake, Eayikes…impressive), Let’s Get Talking Season 1, and the most epic fruit by the foot race during a holiday gathering that raised $1k for our family over at Skid Row Coffee. Eventually the boys would get married, move out, and Eayikes would retain the house as affordable housing for community at-risk of homelessness to heal.

A group of people standing in a kitchen, looking at a piece of paper, with colorful hand drawings taped to the wall.
Group of women and a child with face paint, smiling indoors, plants in background.
Two people holding framed artwork, one showing trees and the other a butterfly, in front of 2018 balloons.
Group of people laughing and interacting indoors during a social gathering, with a colorful sign on the wall.
A group of people sitting in a circle under a white canopy tent, engaged in a discussion. The setting appears to be an outdoor area with plants and garden elements visible. They are casually dressed, and there is a small table with drinks in the center.
A group of people sitting on the floor in a living room, engaging in a creative activity involving colorful materials and balloons. One person is writing on paper while others are using scissors and drawing tools. There are plants and artwork in the room, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Two people posing in a room with DJ equipment, colorful lights, and eclectic decor including art, a trophy, and a bookshelf.