Gail Mutke has been part of the Long Beach community since 1968 and a dedicated member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for more than five decades. Her commitment to serving the unhoused has shaped much of her ministry, from years of co‑leading the Manna Meals hot meal program to co‑founding the St. Luke’s Shower Program, which provides dignity and essential care to neighbors in need.
Beyond outreach, Gail chairs the church’s Brass Rubbing Medieval Arts Center and has volunteered with organizations such as Heifer International. Before her retirement, she built a career in sales, marketing, inventory control, and office management with companies including Xerox and Nissan. Her leadership and compassion continue to strengthen St. Luke’s mission of hospitality and service.
Alan Lang joined St. Luke Episcopal Church in spring 2021 and quickly became a Shower Program volunteer, drawn by a retirement-inspired exploration of the Christian faith. His involvement grew steadily, and about a year in, he accepted Gail’s invitation to serve as co-chair, taking on a hands-on role in the program’s daily operations.
Alan has driven several practical upgrades over the years: a four-person outdoor sink for shaving, hair washing, and personal care; sunshades to cool the main courtyard in summer; and custom clear drop-down panels for the bag-check canopy to protect guests’ belongings and barbers alike from winter rain. Alan credits his life partner Patrick with key assistance in these and other projects.
Julie is a long-time community volunteer in Long Beach, with a passion for helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness. She has volunteered with the St. Luke’s shower program since 2020 and does what she can to help unhoused residents, foster youth, and those living in under‑resourced communities. Julie is a big believer in making human connections and nurturing the power of community.
Julie worked as a civil engineer in water resources for over 10 years during her early professional life. More recently, she worked for three different local non-profit organizations. She currently serves on a couple of non-profit boards and is chair of the Long Beach Homeless Services Advisory Committee, contributing to policy development and oversight.
She and her husband live in Long Beach and have three adult children.
