Walking their faith 

The catalyst that led to the creation of City Gates Ministries occurred in 1995 when Phil Prietto struggled with questions of his purpose and calling in life. 

 “It was during this time of reflection and prayer that I felt an overwhelming desire to bring people together,” he began. 

“It saddened me to see fellow believers focusing more on their differences than on the shared mission of spreading and compassion.” 

 By founding City Gates Ministries, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity, Prietto acknowledged that there were moments of doubt, logistical hurdles and the question of how to engage various denominations in providing help to those in need.    

 While not an ordained minister, Prietto sees his work as an expression of his faith and commitment to serving others through acts of love and compassion, which are characteristics of  the teachings of Jesus.

 “City Gates Ministries unites the body of Christ across different denominations to address the needs of the poor and marginalized in our community,” Prietto stated, “and I believe this is about embodying the teachings of Jesus by serving others and fostering unity among believers.” 

 To that end, City Gates Ministries developed Street Lights to help the less fortunate. 

“Both homeless and people with homes have been and continue to be served through both services,” Prietto explained.   

 A weekly event that begins every Thursday evening on the corner of State and Franklin streets from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 pm, Street Lights hosts a meal and provides an assortment of items, such as sleeping bags, coats, clothes, hygiene and medical supplies, tarps, cat and dog food.   

 Prietto pointed out that City Gates Ministries relies on volunteers and the support of businesses like Costco, Safeway, Albertsons, Value Village, school districts, numerous churches and individuals, who donate their time and skills to help people in need. 

 “In 2024, we managed to achieve over 20,000 hours of community service through this incredible volunteer support,” Prietto said.  “Our volunteers and community support are the backbone of our organization.” 

 He also realizes that in continuing to help individuals in need, particularly as homelessness continues to increase in Olympia and throughout Thurston County, he is going to need more help. 

“One obstacle is the growing demand for resources, funding, food and supplies as more individuals, both housed and unhoused, seek assistance,” Prietto explained. 

“Additionally, raising community awareness and engagement remain a challenge, especially in mobilizing local residents, businesses and churches to support the cause.” 

 Another challenge City Gates Ministries confronts is helping less fortunate individuals who need health care, mental health support and job training. 

Prietto said that stigmas surrounding the less fortunate can hinder understanding and empathy in providing help. 

 “This organization is committed to developing long-term solutions that not only provide immediate relief, but also promote stability and self-sufficiency for those affected by  any number of issues to include our struggling economy,” he noted. 

Prietto added that City Gates Ministries is determined to continued its mission of serving people in need for the foreseeable future. 

“In these challenging times, the need for assistance has never been more significant; many in our community are facing hardships, and we will continue to serve those in need,” he concluded.   

 “City Gates Ministries focuses on uniting the body of Christ across different denominations to address the needs of the poor and marginalized in our community.” 

 For more information about volunteering or donating, click here.