Covenant House International

When we end youth homelessness, we also reduce the risk of young people being exploited or trafficked. Our advocacy team was proud to participate in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Coalition this week. We met with survivors, advocates, and members of Congress to work out real, bipartisan solutions for ending human trafficking and creating healing pathways for survivors. Shout out to Congressman Chris Smith for recognizing the great work of many in the room, including Covenant House New Jersey. He has been a steadfast leader of the anti-trafficking movement and we applaud his continued leadership! Covenant House has always been a place of refuge for survivors, but our support goes much further than direct care. By participating in this coalition with more than 60 organizations and eight members of Congress, we're working toward a future where no young person is subjected to the horrors of human trafficking.

If we do nothing, youth homelessness in the U.S. could triple in the next 10 years. So we have to do something about it. Covenant House is using data, collaboration, and our core principle of absolute respect for young people to address the roots of the crisis — not just the symptoms. There is room for your voice in this movement. Get on board today. https://lnkd.in/dgrfceP

What was once an abandoned dirt lot behind Covenant House Greater Washington is now a youth-run hydroponic farm that produces over 100 pounds of produce per week. Over the last year, youth who access our services center in Washington D.C. have worked with OurFarm DC to turn an empty shipping container into a fully-functioning hydroponic farm and community garden. The produce they harvest feeds youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House, food insecure communities in D.C. through Martha's Table and even customers at local fine-dining restaurants and farmers markets! Covenant House Greater Washington CEO Angela Jones-Hackley says “I envision expanding this partnership to reach even more individuals, build sustainable food systems, and provide job opportunities for those we serve. Together, we will grow more than produce. We will grow hope, resilience, and a brighter future for our community.”

First things first: our door is open 24/7 and there will always be someone there to greet you. Getting help from Covenant House is completely free. We welcome young people ages 18-24 from all backgrounds. No one is ever turned away without support of some kind, and you do not have to pass any tests, get a referral, or present any evidence that you are in need of sanctuary. No matter when you walk in, your immediate needs are the first concern. At any of our sites, you will be offered a meal, a shower, laundry or clean clothes, and a safe place to rest — all before anyone asks why you've shown up. Most Covenant House locations have clinics on-site to provide immediate healthcare, and those that don't have partnerships with local providers. The average length of a stay in our short-term housing program is 78 days, but everyone's timeline is different. You can leave and come back to Covenant House as many times as you need. If you choose to stay and participate in our programs, we develop an individual case plan to meet your specific needs and interests so you can begin your next steps toward a meaningful and independent future. "When I entered the open arms of Covenant House, they lifted me up, cleaned me up, and directed me down the right path. I’m convinced I would have never redirected my life without them, and at 18 years old with almost a decade of repeated homelessness, domestic abuse, and nowhere to turn, they were truly my guiding light!" -Amy, former Covenant House resident https://lnkd.in/ePYk8YnP

Last month we had a great panel discussion diving into the specific challenges young women face while experiencing homelessness. RSVP for our next Telephone Town Hall in May to get insights into our big-picture strategy to #EndYouthHomelessness!

Youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House Georgia have been jamming out and healing through music at their new studio space in Atlanta. WSB-TV sent a film crew to catch up with resident Monty and learn how making music helps him relieve stress and inspires him in his journey.

Not sure how to start a conversation with your middle schooler about youth homelessness? The March issue of Junior Scholastic Magazine features an honest, eye-opening article about the issue that uses actual stories from Covenant House youth to help young readers understand the reality of youth homelessness without making it sensationalized or scary. Like all the articles in Junior Scholastic, youth homelessness is a topic that middle schoolers themselves selected! Young people want to understand what their peers are going through, and this is a great way to help them start their journey of empathy and advocacy.

For Shauniece, working at Covenant House means putting her values into action. It's not just that she wants to be part of the movement to end youth homelessness as we know it today; she believes that giving back and positively impacting others is one of the most important things she can choose to do. She stepped up to make that kind of positive impact at her first Sleep Out last weekend, helping run an event where more than a hundred advocates raised crucial funds by spending a night outside in solidarity with youth facing homelessness. If you want to join Shauniece and be part of the team that's making a difference for young people every day, check out our careers page or reach out to your local Covenant House site!

We couldn't be more thrilled to have Chapin Hall as a partner in the fight to #EndYouthHomelessness 💙

9 years ago, a group of friends decided to do some good together. They were looking to give back and create positive change — or as they describe it, "do something our moms would be proud of." They chose Sleep Out, a global movement to end youth homelessness. Their team, The Good Newsers, have come back to spend a night outside with us every year since then. And this year, they hit their best-ever fundraising total of $79,000, beating out 15 other teams for the top spot on the leaderboard! How does a group of 8 friends pull together hundreds of donations in just a few months? According to team member Jack, the formula is simple. "We're relentless," he says. "It's about making sure we represent Covenant House all year round. It's about making sure we've got that authentic connection with the cause. And I think people can feel that."