Steve Rosenfield, a now-California based climber, wants to help people. One only needs to visit his non-profit organization’s website, thelilfoundation.org, to see this. “The Love is Life Foundation is committed to improving human wellbeing and alleviating human suffering globally,” the LIL’s mission statement reads. “We initiate charitable projects that support fundamental human needs such as shelter, food, education, clothing, and health care. The Foundation is dedicated to social and cultural change that encourages a healthy lifestyle for all people.”

Recently, the LiL Foundation released its first compilation CD, which includes artists like John Butler Trio, State Radio, Ozomatli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Sol*Illaquists of Sound, to name a few. It’s a nonstop jam fusing roots rock, dub, and hip-hop in a down-to-earth groove that’s hard to get out of your head. If it’s not enough to simply add a killer CD to your collection, then add on the human factor — all of the proceeds are being used to help end youth homelessness in the United States — and picking this one up should be a no-brainer.

UC: Steve, many of us know you as “Want Strength”, the dreadlocked New England climber who brought a daily abundance of energy, psych, and positive vibes to Northeast sessions everywhere — though you recently moved out West. Where’d climbing start for you?
Steve Rosenfield: I started climbing in December of 2001 at the Boston Rock Gym. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was into bodybuilding at the time and found it extremely hard to pull my body up the wall. That was the last time I picked up a weight. I instantly got hooked on climbing and was engulfed into the New England Bouldering scene. This is where I picked up the name “Want Strength”. My home crag was Lincoln Woods, RI. I was in love with the Northeast Crew. To this day, I have yet to meet such a motivating family to climb with. I want to personally thank the crews of MA, NH, RI, NY, PA, CT, now reside in Davis, CA, and have found a few motivated climbing folk like myself to pull down with.

UC: Tell us a little bit about the Love is Life Foundation, and why it was founded.
SR: I was sick of watching all the negativity on the news and reading even more of it in the paper. I figured I would do something rather than just sit around and complain about it. I said to myself, “I want to improve peoples’ wellbeing and alleviate all human suffering.” To bring others what I’ve always had – things like shelter, food, education, clothing, and health care, etc. The Love is Life Foundation is my answer.

UC: You just released The Love is Life Foundation’s first compilation CD. What’s the mission here? And where’s the money going?
SR: There are over 1.3 million homeless youth in the United States today. My purpose for this CD is to raise money and awareness around this epidemic (and yes, I said epidemic) so we can help a very silent problem be heard. The money we raise is going to help the lives of these kids by providing shelter, food, education, and/or activities. We’re going to be partnering up with other organizations and see where our hands are needed most.

UC: The lineup is spectacular. How was it working with these guys?
SR: It was a blessing, to say the least. Everyone I worked with, from the artists to their management, has been more than amazing. I’m lucky enough to know most of them personally, and that made it even more special to work with them.

UC: Where can we pick one up?
SR: If you want to pick up a hard copy, the best place to go is our site at thelilfoundation.org. If you want to get it on mp3, I would recommend digstation.com. They don’t take a percentage of the sales – the LiL Foundation gets 100%! Or I should say the homeless youth get 100%. So, pick one up because I honestly think this is the best mix tape in existence.

UC: What’s the ultimate goal for LiL?
SR: Wow! The ultimate goal for LiL is to bring a much needed hug into the souls of all humankind. We’re looking to ease the suffering and enhance the love worldwide.

UC: How else can people help out The Love is Life Foundation?
SR:The best way to answer this question is to just love. Be honest, communicate, and don’t be afraid to cry. Donate your time to different causes. Don’t just say you’re going to do it . . . do it! It doesn’t have to be directly with LiL! You can help an elderly person cross the street or carry bags of groceries to their car. If you need more guidance, hit us up at lilmisc@thelilfoundation.org.

UC: Wanna add anything else?
SR: I want to say thank you to all the people who have been there from the very beginning, and I know will be there til the very end. You have made this journey manageable: Libb’s, Jess, Billy, Ali, Teen, Lee, Kete, Manas, Farris, Tashi, Bne, Keesh, Rachel, Joe and, of course, UC. You can get a list of all the people I personally thank at thelilfoundation.org/million.php. It’s the donors that make it possible.