COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA

CHC’s transitional housing program allows young people to refine their independent living skills. For up to two years, they live on campus healing from the trauma they suffered on the streets. They learn to save money and budget to pay rent, utilities and other necessities. They save their money for their first apartment and focus on earning a living wage. During this time they heal from the trauma they endured on the streets as they learn life skills, focus on earning a living wage, and save up money for their first apartment.

Our employment specialists provide career case management, teach youth how to find job openings, apply, interview, dress and behave in the workplace. CHC offers onsite and offsite internship programs allow youth to gain verifiable work experience as well as earn a small stipend. Youth can access a professional clothing closet and transportation assistance through this program as well.

Our education specialists provide education case management, helping youth complete or continue their education. Youth can receive tutoring, mentoring, access to a computer lab, study for their GED, or learn English as a Second Language. In Los Angeles, CHC also partners with Five Keys Charter School to provide onsite opportunities for youth to earn a high school diploma.

Our Street Outreach teams in Los Angeles and the East Bay actively seek out young people experiencing homelessness who may need help. The team assists with critical safety needs by providing transportation to a safe shelter. Young people living on the streets can receive, food, water, hygiene kits, warm clothing, blankets, counseling and referrals to needed services such as medical care and employment and education services. Most importantly, our Street Outreach Program shows youth that they are cared for, and worth being pursued.

At our Day Outreach program, youth receive a nutritious meal, take a hot shower, receive hygiene products, and get new clothing and shoes. They can request and receive medical and mental health services, case management services, and take part in the education and employment program.

For many reasons, not all youth experiencing homelessness are ready or able to be housed. Often, there are not enough beds in the community to house them. For these youth, our Oakland site offers a Drop-In Center where young people can rest during the day, can shower, get a meal, do laundry, have internet access, as well as access to day-programming, case management and referrals to additional services.

CHC provides valuable medical and mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness. In Los Angeles, youth can see a nurse, nurse practitioner, physician and psychiatrist in the Dr. Richard and Patricia Meehan Medical Clinic. In Oakland, youth receive care through a mobile clinic that comes to the shelter, as well as connection with a local FQHC. Youth in either location can receive physical exams, urgent care, immunizations and TB screenings. CHC also provides treatment for chronic health issues, HIV/STD counseling, and helps youth apply for Medi-Cal. Mental Health services are provided by both Licensed LCSWs or MFTs, as well as LCSW and MFT interns.

Since 2000, DreamCatcher Youth Services has been the only safe landing for homeless and disconnected at risk youth in Alameda County who are between the ages of 13-18. Over 90% who have been through DreamCatcher have moved directly into stable housing, further education or employment.

Our youth exit to greater safety and go on to futures they didn’t have the energy to imagine when they first came to us. Over a third of our staff are graduates of our program who returned as adults wanting to give back for all they received, for the ways their lives changed.

H20 is CHC’s Rapid Re-Housing program which features short-term housing assistance along with all of CHC’s supportive services. Case managers work with youth and local landlords to find appropriate apartments, then assist youth with move-in costs, rental assistance and weekly case management to ensure success. After two years youth take over their apartment leases.

Our emergency shelter program in Berkeley, CA provides low-barrier access for youth experiencing homelessness. We provide basic necessities, offer case management and counseling, linkages to education, employment and housing, and opportunities for meaningful community involvement.

Youth with a higher level of life skills are placed into our Supportive Apartment program, which provides financial assistance to youth living in off-campus apartments. During their stay CHC provides an ever-lowering percentage of their rent until they are paying the full amount. Youth in this program are responsible for the rest of their bills and personal expenses are continue to have access to all of CHC’s supportive services.