
About
Opening Doors for Homeless Youth
Covenant House is located in the heart of Toronto and offers youth essential services. Young people are welcome to drop in, get a bite to eat, do a load of laundry, get medical care or stay the night in the 96-bed shelter.
The organization is committed to improving the quality of life and providing opportunities for people experiencing hardship, poverty and homelessness.
Everyone who walks through the door is connected with a youth worker who will help them get the support they need, access the right services and make a personalized plan to gain control of their life.
Canada’s largest non-for-profit agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
24-7 services to roughly 300 young people each day.
History
In the 1980’s, late Cardinal Carter found kids sleeping outside his downtown Toronto office and knew something needed to be done. He rallied for the support of the Toronto catholic community to open a house to provide shelter and food to the vulnerable youth. In 1982, Covenant House was born. It started as a 30-bed shelter and today grew to 96 beds as demand increased.
The Youth They Serve

Age
Covenant House offers youth ages 16 to 24 services and programs such as medical care, food, a warm bed, job training, etc.

Sex Orientation
Covenant House welcomes youth of any sexual orientation. They strive to be an open and safe environment for all youth.

Religion
Youth of all religions are welcome and are free to practice their faith.

Ethno Diversity
Covenant House welcomes youth off all origins. They do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
“We support the vulnerable youth who come through our doors with absolute respect and unconditional love”.
Covenant House's Mission Statement

Services and Programs
Covenant House is more than just a place to stay. We offer programs that give youth tools and skills to improve their life and build their future.


Shelter and Food
Staff and youth workers are available to welcome youth day and night. There are 96 beds available and residents have access to showers, nourishing meals and programs.
Covenant House also offers a variety of transitional housing options where youth learn to live independently.
On-site Health Centre
Covenant House believes the best care comes through healing body, mind, heart and spirit
Mental well-being: support through personalized counselling and psychiatrist.
Physical well-being: access to medical care and sports and fitness activities.
Emotional well-being: mentorship programs
Spiritual well-being: provide youth with services that nurture their spirit, whatever that looks like to them.


Job Centre
Our job centre is a first step to finding stable, meaningful work.
We work one-on-one with youth to provide career coaching, resume building, interview advice, job placements and a strong confidence boost to help youth build the necessary skills to explore their employment options.
Life Skills Development
Financial literacy and budgeting
Educational planning
Building and maintaining healthy relationships
Healthy nutrition, meal planning and preparation
Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence


On-site high school
Partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board
Access to a Board-certified teacher, computers and learning materials.
Students have the ability to get credits and earn their full high school diploma.
"Cooking for Life"
This pre-employment program lead by a professional chef gives hands-on trainings to develop culinary skills so that youth can work in the hospitality industry.
12-week job training program and includes a restaurant work placement.


Awareness and Outreach
Prevention-focused presentations in high schools.
Hotel and Transportation industry training program to spot and report trafficking in hotels
Anti-Human Trafficking
Access to health care and housing services in order to recover and heal from intensive trauma.
Help stabilize and provide mental health services
The Anti-Human Trafficking team supports victims by advocating for their needs in court, with police and legal services.
Contact Covenant House
Phone: (416)-598-4898
Hours: Open 24hrs
Address: 20 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2P3
Email: help@covenanthouse.ca
Drop-in centre is open Monday to Friday, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m
