
Who We Are
Covenant House is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people to overcome homelessness and trafficking by providing best-in-class services and a shared commitment to unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support for each young person who walks through our doors.
Covenant House’s doors are always open to all young people who need housing and help, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Our trauma-informed services help bridge the gap between potential and progress, and we also advocate for systemic change through public policy, while promoting awareness of critical issues related to youth homelessness.
The Covenant House mission is centered and built on community, where youth, staff, volunteers, and partners love one another unconditionally, respect each other absolutely, and dedicate ourselves to a covenant of compassion and hope.
Who is at Risk to Experience Homelessness?
Many 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. And, our research indicates that approximately one in five youth experiencing homelessness is a survivor of human trafficking.
The vast majority of youth do not become homeless by choice. The causes are complex, and are not due to a single incident or issue.
OUR SUCCESS STORIES |
The least interesting thing about our youth is that they experienced homelessness before coming to the Cov. Listen as they share with you their stories of determination and hope.
OUR SUCCESS STORIES
The least interesting thing about our youth is that they experienced homelessness before coming to the Cov. Listen as they share with you their stories of determination and hope.
In the fall of 1997, Covenant House Michigan opened its doors to Detroit’s young people facing homelessness with the establishment of the Eastside Community Service Center. In less than three years, CHM expanded to include a Street Outreach program (1997), a second Community Service Center and a Job Development Center (1998), and a Crisis Center (April 2000). In the fourth year of operation, the Rights of Passage transitional living program (October 2000) opened. Our Detroit campus opened the House of Hope, co-occurring disorders day program in 2017 and in the fall of 2018, CHM opened our second emergency shelter in Grand Rapids, serving 28 youth through the generosity of the west Michigan community.