Approximately one-fifth of all children live below the poverty line. One in every thirty children experiences homelessness annually. These children will struggle with living happily and healthily; they don’t have access to high-quality food, water, clothing, education, shelter, and such. This is where organizations like Covenant House or CH come into play. CH is a nonprofit organization that provides residential services to exploited, runaway, and homeless youth. Established in 1972 in lower Manhattan, Covenant House has since opened many locations in thirty-one different cities in six other countries and has changed the lives of over 1.5 million people. CH has provided aid to approximately 1,600 people ages 16-24 yearly, while Covenant House International serves over 80,000 annually.
Their mission is guided by five basic principles, immediacy, sanctuary, communication, structure, and choice. Covenant House ensures that the basic needs of those they take in are cared for. This includes healthy meals, medical attention, shelter, and clean items such as clothing. When providing a home for those without, they are accepting of all, disregarding race, beliefs, and identity. Their speech and activity toward the youth illustrate that relationships are built on trust and love. They demonstrate through communication, caring, and honest relationships, helping to make this foundation for those they care for. Furthermore, they provide the youth with a stable and structured environment necessary for their futures. Moreover, they teach their young people to be informed and independent, promoting confidence.
The foundation for Covenant House has been built on Christian values, recognizing God’s providence. Through this mission, they dedicate themselves to God’s covenant and convey their beliefs through their work with the youth. Their values call for them to aid His children, helping them through difficult times. Moreover, their efforts to help others and demonstrate their commitment to God help spread their principles as Christians whom they support.
Covenant House’s mission is to dedicate itself to helping God's children. Through this organization, they wish to help youth in need and live out God’s covenant. Doing so, they treat the children they serve with absolute respect and unconditional love, promoting their beliefs.