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.
What’s at stake?
Every person deserves a safe place to sleep and hope for a brighter tomorrow. For young people, homelessness interrupts progress toward adulthood and a future of independence and self-sufficiency.
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 of youth 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.
Who we are and what we do
Covenant House is the largest privately-funded agency in the Americas providing shelter, food, medical and mental heatlh care, crisis intervention, educational and vocational services, and an array of supportive services to youth facing homelessness regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Our approach to ending youth homelessness
Our goal at Covenant House Michigan is to provide a better life for the youth who come through our doors. We not only offer food and shelter, we offer a package for independence and overall success. Whether they are brought here by our Outreach Team or walk through our doors, every child is embraced with open arms. Helping young people embrace the great promise of their lives, Covenant House Michigan offers a combination of support strategies, including- educational programs, job training and placement, medical services, mental health and substance abuse counseling.
What can you do?
Covenant House Michigan is always interested in expanding our community of supporters and advocates, including individuals, companies, foundations, faith-based organizations, and alumni of our programs. Our most successful partnerships are collaborative and affirm the dignity and wholeness of the journey of each young person at Covenant House Michigan.
OUR PROGRAMS
YOUTH
OUTREACH
Our Outreach team provides services to homeless youth living on the streets or in abandoned houses and cars.
CRISIS
CARE
Our 45-bed shelter is a warm and welcoming space for youth aged 18 to 24 taking the first step toward positive life changes.
RIGHTS
OF PASSAGE
Residents in our two-year transitional living program develop a life plan for successful independent living.
ADVANCING
EDUCATION
Covenant House Michigan collaborated to open four charter schools to better serve the needs of homeless and at-risk youth.
EMPLOYMENT
CENTER
Through training and mentoring our staff prepare kids for the world of work and independence by teaching basic life skills that are often foreign concepts to many homeless youth.
TOTAL
ME
A daily program teaching life skills ranging from anger management and communication to healthy eating and exercise.
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
They come from all over Michigan searching for a way out of their desperate situations. Their stories are heart-breaking yet admirable. They are survivors.