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About Us
Covenant House New York is the
nations largest adolescent care agency
serving homeless, runaway and at-risk
youth. Our doors are open 24 hours a day
for youth in need. Each year nearly
7,000 youth seek out our Crisis and
Community Centers for safety, shelter,
food, and someone to talk to – and
that’s just the beginning!
Covenant House begun over 30 years ago
when six young runaways were given
shelter from a snowstorm, in the lower
east side of Manhattan. Covenant House
now has programs in 21 U.S. cities and
Latin America. More than 77,000 young
people are aided annually by Covenant
House in its national and international
programs.
Covenant House Mission Statement:
We who recognize God's providence and
fidelity to His people are dedicated to
living out His covenant among ourselves
and those children we serve, with
absolute respect and unconditional love.
That commitment calls us to serve
suffering children of the street, and to
protect and safeguard all children. Just
as Christ in His humanity is the visible
sign of God's presence among His people,
so our efforts together in the covenant
community are a visible sign that
effects the presence of God, working
through the Holy Spirit among ourselves
and our kids.
Covenant House Principles:
- Immediacy
Kids come to us in crisis. Immediately
and without question, we meet their
basic human needs—a nourishing meal, a
shower, clean clothes, medical
attention, and a safe place away from
the danger of the street.
- Sanctuary
The kids who come to us are often
frightened and mistrustful. We protect
them from the perils of the street.
Youngsters can grow only when they
feel safe and secure.
- Value Communication
Lying, cheating, and stealing are
common survival tools on the street.
We teach kid by example that caring
relationships are based on trust,
respect, and honesty.
- Structure
Kids on the street never know how they
will get their next meal or where they
will sleep. We provide a regular
schedule that gives them the stability
they need in order to focus on the
future.
- Choice
Young people often feel powerless to
control their lives, and fall into a
self-defeating cycle of failure. We
encourage kids to believe in
themselves and to make serious choices
about their futures.
Covenant House New York Vision
Statement:
We are committed to serving all youth
who come to us, acknowledging our
special commitment to the young adults
of New York City. Our services will
address the immediate needs of young
people in crisis, and facilitate their
transition to adulthood and
self-sufficiency.
We strive to serve those with the
greatest need. We will adapt our
programs to keep pace with social
changes, always guided by the ideals of
compassion and professionalism. We will
respect all spiritualities, while
affirming our formation in the Catholic
tradition. We maintain a policy of open
intake, and will continue to advocate
for the young people who come to our
door.
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