DESCRIPTION
Our programs range from supportive environments, offering 24-7 staff support for those with higher needs, to more independent accommodations for those who are ready. Our Bridge to Independence campaign has a goal of 400 transitional housing beds and support for young people by 2027. We have $48M committed so far and need $3M to reach our goal of $51M. The cost to support a young person for a year in a transitional housing program that is right for them is about $30,000.* This cost includes essentials such as safe housing/subsidized accommodation, property maintenance costs, dedicated staff care whether it is 24-7 on-site or regular check-ins and can include other supports such as food. *This is a blended cost of all our transitional housing programs that have varying levels of support and types of accommodation based on year 4 of our program. This number is based on youth served, not number of beds.
DETAILS
Affordability Framework
The affordability framework varies by housing option. Among our supportive transitional housing programs, where youth have access to staff or a house mentor at all times, some are no cost and in others youth are encouraged to contribute monthly to a saving fund which they take with them when they move out. Youth who are ready for more independence either pay rent-geared-to-income or they receive a subsidy, typically, between $800-1,000, which offsets the cost of market rent. This variety ensures that every young person can find an option that suits their needs at Covenant House.
Target Completion Date
N/A
Populations Served
Youth
Total Project Cost
$51,000,000
Total Units
2
Affordable Units
2
Project Funding
Funding Required
$60,000 to support 2 youth; upon funding notification we will utilize funds when youth identified and housing located.
Funds Raised
We have raised $48M so far and our goal is $51M to reach our goal of 400 transitional housing beds and support for young people by 2027.
Use of funds
Costs includes essentials such as safe housing/subsidized accommodation, property maintenance costs, dedicated staff care whether it is 24-7 on-site or regular check-ins and can include other supports such as food.
Human Impact Story
When Mickey arrived at Covenant House, she was shy yet determined to build a positive future for herself.
Having been through a lot at only 17 years old, Mickey was focused on her path ahead, with a plan to finish high school and pursue her dream of working in health care.
“I was in school and also working, and very stressed,” she said. “But knowing I had a safe place to sleep at night, and meals to eat, that really meant a lot.”
In Covenant House’s Rights of Passage program, our onsite transitional housing program, where Mickey was enrolled, youth learn skills that help prepare them for independent living such as cooking, laundry and budgeting. She and the other youth staying there had chores and responsibilities, like watering the plants and taking care of the community spaces like the kitchen. The program also helps youth save their own money, so they are financially prepared to move out on their own.
“Maybe if you lived at home with your parents, these are things you’d pick up naturally,” Mickey said. “But even stuff that’s as simple as doing laundry, if you don’t have a parental figure to show you, you can sometimes feel really lost.”
Mickey learned a lot from the team, which helped her build her confidence. Youth worker Marva Townsend-Joao taught her how to make simple comfort dishes like chicken noodle soup and ackee and saltfish, recipes she still prepares for herself today. She also learned the importance of being part of the community and understood that staff cared about her wellbeing.
Over time, Mickey ventured beyond the Rights of Passage space and participated in Muay Thai to build her confidence and used programs like the Employment Centre to help find work. She discovered a kindred spirit in the mentor she was paired with through the Poy Family Mentorship Program and a housing worker helped her secure the Covenant House community apartment she’s living in now. She still benefits from the support she received from the Covenant House team as well as counselling, health care, and other on-site services.
Today, Mickey has graduated nursing school and is working in her field and towards her dreams. Long-term, she’d like to become an emergency room nurse or work to support the healthcare needs of people experiencing homelessness.
“I honestly don’t know where I’d be right now if it hadn’t been for Covenant House.”
VIDEO
