The concept of covenant has its beginning as early as the Garden of Eden and runs through the stories of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jeremiah. At the Last Supper Jesus speaks of the blood to be poured out for the ‘new covenant’. A covenant describes the mutual responsibilities of those parties who are partners in it. Since its inception fifty years ago the Covenant House has in an inspiring way demonstrated the powerful effectiveness of the concept. What follows is from its website www.covenanthouse.org.
Since 1972, Covenant House has opened its doors to over 1.5 million young people experiencing homelessness and trafficking, one youth at a time. That’s half a century of believing in youth and nurturing their promise, talents, and courage.
Who We Serve
In 34 cities across six countries, more than 2,000 young people sleep in a Covenant House bed each night. No one is ever turned away without support of some kind. And our services and programs are available at cost. Many complex factors increase a young person’s chances of experiencing homelessness. Demographic risk factors for becoming homeless include being Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous, parenting and unmarried, or LGBTQ+. Children raised in poverty and youth lacking a high school diploma or equivalency also have a higher risk of homelessness.
How We Serve
Covenant House meets immediate need for food, clothing, safety, and medica and mental health care. We have specialized programs for young parents and their small children and for human trafficking survivors. And we help young people experiencing homelessness to advance their goals and achieve sustainable independence with education, job readiness, and career pathways programs.
Through a strengths-based, trauma-informed practice model, refined over time through decades of outcome data, we help young people discover and develop their power to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Our continuum of car includes immediate care in our short-term housing program, transitional living and right of passage program, public education and prevention, and aftercare and permanent housing support.
Our Vision
Covenant House envisions and works toward a world where every young person has a safe place to sleep and the love, respect, and support they deserve, and need, to thrive.
Mission And Principles
We are steadfast in our commitment to build a present and a future of safety, healing, housing, and opportunity for your people facing homelessness. Covenant House is committed to providing unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support for each young person who walks through our doors.