It started with a New York hotel room key. The Giving Keys founder, actress and singer/songwriter, Caitlin Crosby, wore the key as a necklace and had the idea to start engraving old, used keys with inspirational words. Realizing that in a way we are all like these keys – unique, flawed, scarred, and at risk of being discarded – she wanted these keys to have their purpose renewed over and over again. Their message is yours for a time, but once they've served their purpose with you, pay it forward to inspire another.

As the business started to develop, The Giving Keys partnered up with the United Way and PATH, a reputable transitional home in LA. These valuable partners helped The Giving Keys build their team through their in-depth screening process, ensuring that those employed were truly determined to reset the course of their lives. 

Since the beginning, The Giving Keys has employed 19 people experiencing homelessness, providing opportunities for the team members to move into permanent housing. 

Today, The Giving Keys are carried in over 500 stores in the US and internationally including Anthropologie, Fred Segal, Henri Bendel and Kitson. 

In March of 2013 The Giving Keys began partnering with Chrysalis to help find more employees. Chrysalis is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment.