Programs
Crisis Care
Covenant House has an open intake policy, accepting every young person that comes to the shelter, 24/7. Youth enter and stay at Covenant House voluntarily. They are required to follow rules including respecting the staff and other clients, and to seek employment or continue their educations while housed at Covenant House. Kids coming into Crisis Care are first offered food, sleep, showers and laundry, and then continue to an intake process where they receive health, mental health, educational, job readiness and legal assessments, and are assigned to a case worker. Youth who do not wish to enter the program may still access Covenant House’s services via the organization’s “drop-in” centers
Rights of Passage
Created in 1986, Rights of Passage (ROP) is a transitional living program that addresses the long-term needs of homeless kids. Once accepted into the program, residents live in apartments at Covenant House for up to 18 months. Residents do their own shopping, cooking, cleaning, and manage their finances. Residents pay rent to Covenant House weekly, with all of their rent returned to them when they graduate from the program. While learning life-skills, ROP residents are also required to complete their education and hold down a job.
Mother/Child
Covenant House’s Mother/Child program was created to help homeless mothers and pregnant teenagers work toward achieving independence and developing healthy parenting skills. In addition to job training and help with securing long-term housing, Covenant House offers workshops in parenting skills, child-bearing, single parenthood, etc... and provides mothers with free on-site daycare to enable them to continue their educations and maintain employment.
Street and Van Outreach
Covenant House outreach vans canvas streets in 19 cities in search for homeless kids in need of help. They provide immediate care and offer options for finding help. Outreach officers distribute food, blankets and often hygiene supplies.
Healthcare
Covenant House sites offer free full-service healthcare, including general medical care, mental health services and addiction counseling.
Educational Services
Covenant House offers GED preparation courses on-site, and sometimes offers scholarships to kids who are accepted to college and are interested in further education. Getting a high school diploma is made a high priority for residents of Covenant House, as it is unlikely that a youth without this level of education will be able to find employment that pays well enough to maintain stable housing.
Job Preparedness
Teens at the Crisis Center are schooled in resume writing, interviewing and job search skills, and coached on how to behave appropriately in the workplace. They are also provided with a work-appropriate wardrobe. Ongoing mentoring, and counseling in dealing with workplace issues or problems are available.
Pastoral Ministry
Each Covenant House shelter offers non-denominational prayer services. Getting back in touch with their religious community often helps young people reintegrate into society. Covenant House's pastoral ministers work with all religions to help kids connect to their faith.
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