Chaz Smith
CEO & Founder
With both lived experience of homelessness and professional experience in the sector, Chaz founded BeTheChangeYYC to turn practical support, advocacy and community connection into lasting change.
People powered by purpose
Meet the people behind the outreach.
BeTheChangeYYC is guided by people with professional expertise, lived experience and a shared commitment to dignity, practical support and meaningful connection on Calgary’s streets.
One team, many strengths
Showing up with care, skill and consistency.
Our team brings together frontline experience, health and safety knowledge, community navigation and volunteer power. We meet people where they are and work to create safer, more practical pathways forward.
Every outreach shift is rooted in respect: listening first, responding to urgent needs and helping people access the resources they choose.
Board of directors
Leadership grounded in experience.
Tanya Clark
Vice President
Tanya brings more than two decades of project-management experience and a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to supporting the organization’s mission.
Carrie Domstad
Treasurer
Supporting the responsible stewardship that helps BeTheChangeYYC continue its frontline work in Calgary.
Operations, health and outreach leadership
Guided by a committed team.
Kyla Ricard
Operations Admin
Graham Ferguson
Team Lead
Olivia Levy
PCP (Paramedic), Team Lead
Ava Boone
PCP (Paramedic), Team Lead
Yonatan Teklemariam
Social Worker
Garth Paynter
Team Lead
Join the team
Bring your time, care and skills to the streets.
BeTheChangeYYC relies on compassionate volunteers to make practical support and connection possible.
How the team shows up
Care is practical—and it takes a committed team.
Build trust
Consistent, respectful contact creates the foundation for meaningful support and referrals.
Respond safely
Health, safety and outreach leadership help the team meet urgent needs with care.
Connect pathways
Team members help people navigate housing, shelter, treatment and other community services.
Ways to help
Choose the way you can make a difference.
Community powered
Our Partners
Public, community, education and business partners strengthen BeTheChangeYYC’s frontline outreach across Calgary.
