Covenant House Mission
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 Vision Statement
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In the third millennium Covenant House will continue to fulfill its mission by providing shelter
and services to children and youth who are homeless or at great risk. In the spirit of
open intake, services will be offered to all youth who seek help, with a priority of concern and
commitment to those for whom no other service is available.
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We will make every effort to reunite kids with their families.
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We will collaborate with community agencies and associations and actively participate in community
efforts to improve the condition of families and children.
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We will advocate with and on behalf of youth to
raise awareness in the community about their suffering.
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Our mission is based on faith and the belief that all children and youth have a right to love,
respect and genuine concern. Our individual and shared spirituality will permeate all
of our activities.
Covenant House Core Values
Our belief in a provident God compels us to:
| Love: |
To treat everyone with unconditional love |
| Respect: |
To treat everyone with absolute respect |
| Service: |
To maintain Open Intake and serve those children at greatest risk |
| Advocacy: |
To protect and safeguard all children and speak out on their behalf |
| Family: |
To support families and reunite kids with their families whenever possible |
Covenant Principles
Immediacy
Kids come to us in crisis. Immediately and without question, we meet their basic human
needs - a nutritious 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 kids, 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 future.