Graceful Touch Transitional Services

Overview Graceful Touch Transitional Services is a nonprofit organization based in Anchorage, Alaska. It was designated as tax-exempt in November 2022. The organization's primary focus is on providing housing support services and operates under the category of "Housing, Shelter / Housing Support Services—Other" according to the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE).

Mission and Activities Graceful Touch Transitional Services utilizes a holistic approach, incorporating bio-psycho-social models to address homelessness in Anchorage. A key component of its mission is intensive case management, which assists individuals in need by offering supportive services. Beyond traditional case management, the organization has also acted as an unofficial warming space during extreme weather conditions, providing vital warmth and safety to those unable to access shelters.

Efforts During Extreme Weather In response to severe cold snaps, Graceful Touch Transitional Services has adapted its operations to serve as a temporary refuge for the unsheltered. This includes the use of office spaces to provide warmth during daylight hours, with plans to expand into official round-the-clock warming services. The organization's founder, Stephanie Williams, has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts and securing support for a more permanent warming facility.

Future Developments As of late 2023, the organization was working towards establishing a formal 24-hour warming space. This initiative involves collaboration with local authorities and aims to enhance the availability of emergency shelter services in Anchorage during harsh weather conditions. Despite the challenges posed by sub-zero temperatures and the need for official permissions, the nonprofit remains committed to addressing the immediate needs of Anchorage's vulnerable populations.

Tax Exemption Donations to Graceful Touch Transitional Services are tax-deductible, reflecting its status as a recognized tax-exempt organization under the U.S. tax code. Despite its recent inception, the organization has already made significant strides in addressing homelessness through transitional services and emergency support.

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/884048912 [2] https://alaskapublic.org/news/2023-11-17/anchorages-unsheltered-and-good-samaritans-adapt-to-cold-snap [3] https://www.instagram.com/gracefultouchalaska/ [4] https://www.mapquest.com/us/alaska/graceful-touch-transitional-services-inc-521099207 [5] https://npidb.org/organizations/agencies/case-management_251b00000x/1871209585.aspx