Help youth find a way out of homelessness and give them a home today.

Covenant House Vancouver welcome’s young people age 16 to 24 who are at risk of, who are experiencing, or who are trying to escape homelessness and human trafficking. Covenant House provides housing and comprehensive support for youth, to help them rebuild their lives.

When youth arrive at Covenant House, they often come in desperate need, having endured unimaginable traumas. The first step is to meet their most basic needs, including:

• Medical Care
• Nutritious Meals
• Safe Shelter
• Warm Clothing
• Hygiene Supplies

Covenant House Vancouver doesn’t just provide a bed – they provide a fresh start. They offer personalized support, mental health care, education, and life skills training. And when youth are ready, many transition to Covenant House’s long-term, supported housing program, Right of Passage.

The Food Services Team at CHV is on fire. They are able to whip up over 1,860 meals a week for young people. Their dedication and care go far beyond cooking – they’re serving up nourishment, comfort, and a sense of home to youth.

Their dining area is equipped with a top-notch, commercial-grade kitchen. This means that the dining area is more than just a place to whip up delicious meals – it’s a hub of hope and connection.

With rising food costs, every generous donation that Covenant House receives helps to provide essential sustenance to those in need.

Did you know that youth played a pivotal role in shaping the recent Drake Building that opened last summer?

Their vision was clear: youth said that they wanted Covenant House to feel like a home, as opposed to a more traditional shelter, and that it was important to have space to unwind, find joy, and build connections with youth workers and friends. They asked for spaces to relax, connect with youth workers, and build friendships.

The modern design features a large patio beside the dining lounge where youth could be outdoors and connect with other youth as well as youth workers. There is also a large communal space for youth to connect, read, play video games, watch TV, and for bonding.

Creating positive and supportive relationships with other youth is not only important for developing social skills, but it also creates a supportive peer network that enables youth to share experiences and support each other as they strive to meet their individual goals. It’s about sharing experiences and backing each other on their unique journeys.

Creating art is a powerful part of trauma therapy. It helps youth express their feelings and early childhood trauma when they can’t find the words.

Art is their healing path, giving voice to what words can’t express. Covenant House has a dedicated art therapy room, a creative hub for classes and open studio time.

Trauma is held in the body, imagination, and in emotions. It can also impede the communication between the two brain hemispheres, which can result in mental health challenges. Creating art with art therapists can facilitate the therapeutic process and healing journey, by bringing stories to life and offering fresh perspectives.

Creating art externalizes trauma, sparking a powerful shift in outlook. The creation and discussion process helps strengthen the connection between the brain hemispheres, which aids in the recovery from trauma’s impact.

As part of the new CHV building, youth requested a space where they could play, exercise, and have fun – without having to leave the safety of the building.

The new building at 1280 Seymour street is equipped with a gym and a fitness room. Exercise is proven to help reduce anxiety and depression, serving as a constructive outlet for stress and anger management.

These spaces allow youth workers to connect with youth in a casual environment, helping them build trusting relationships over something as simple as a game of basketball or a walk on the treadmill. A drop-down projection screen turns the gym into a theatre, so that youth can also enjoy movie nights within the safety of the building.

Undiagnosed issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

Many young people who seek Covenant House Vancouver services experience mental health concerns that are left undiagnosed. CHV’s Case Management Team provides youth-focused, coordinated, and holistic services to young people through individualized case plans. When it becomes apparent that a youth is struggling with mental health or addiction, a social worker will refer them to an in-house Registered Clinical Counsellor.

Youth and their clinical counsellor will determine what supports they require using evidence-informed practices that ensure they care for the entire person — mind, body, and spirit.

There are also spaces in CHV’s new building that support a youth working through mental health challenges including a patio and balconies where youth can access the outdoors and fresh air while maintaining a sense of safety. There is also a wellness room, where youth have the privacy to practice yoga, meditation, and reflection.

Pursuing an education, seeking employment, and learning new skills like budgeting, resume writing, and other life skills requires are key for growth and development.

Covenant House Vancouver has a classroom and computer lab, encouraging learning of all kinds, and provides youth with a sense of community while they work towards their goals. They provide a quiet space with easy access to a reliable Internet connection.

One of the many benefits of this expansion is the fact that the Crisis Program capacity was increased by 40%, to offer sanctuary to more young people experiencing homelessness.

The initial priority is to meet young peoples’ basic needs: a safe place to sleep; nutritious food; warm clothing and showers.

After those needs are met, youth are provided with safe, supported housing. Youth can also receive employment and education supports, access to Registered Clinical Counsellors and social workers, and help in transitioning to independence, when they are ready.

Young people can stay in the Crisis Program free of charge for as long as they need to, because getting through a crisis takes as long as it takes.