Our Story
Founded in 2016, Changing The Gray Street Outreach (CTGSO) began with a conviction: everyone deserves hope and support.
What started as simple food drives and clothing donations has grown into a nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and people experiencing homelessness across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
Our founder, Aleaka Tate, turned personal tragedy into action, recognizing that many young people lack the support systems and mentorship needed to thrive. CTGSO was created to fill that gap—with compassion, guidance, and resources to rebuild hope.
Our Mission
We encourage at-risk youth and the homeless to lead more productive, community-focused lives.
We do this by:
Offering meals, shelter, and clothing to meet immediate needs
Providing mentorship and guidance for youth and young adults
Creating employment opportunities to foster independence
Supporting sobriety and recovery programs like AA & NA
Promoting education and training to help youth succeed academically and professionally
Why We Serve
Many on our team know firsthand the struggles of homelessness, addiction, and gun violence. This lived experience fuels our passion and shapes our approach.
We know what it means to feel forgotten.
We know the power of positive leadership and consistent support.
We believe that with the right tools, people can overcome hardship and choose a different path.
Iggy’s Influence & The X Project
The passing of Iggy inspired us to expand our outreach and create The X Project, an initiative designed to:
Remove illegal guns from at-risk youth
Provide food, clothing, and temporary shelter
Offer mentorship and employment opportunities
Create safer and healthier communities
Community Programs & Projects
We actively engage through regular programs and events:
100 Tents & Sleeping Bags Project – providing temporary shelter for Vancouver, WA’s homeless population.
Toy Transfer – bringing joy to children during the holidays in WA, OR, and AK.
Community Food Drives & Feedings – essential outreach to combat hunger and teach youth the value of giving back.
Looking Forward
At CTGSO, we believe in building stability and resilience through consistent, hands-on involvement. Every meal served, every mentoring session, and every act of kindness brings us closer to our vision: a future where at-risk youth and homeless individuals are not defined by their circumstances, but by their potential.