Covenant House Goes to Victoria
Covenant House is planning to expand our shelter so that we never have to turn away a young person due to a lack of space. Last year, due to overwhelming need, we were forced to send 424 young people (more than we served) back to the streets.
We currently have a $5M funding proposal before the Provincial Government for seed funding (we will need the public's help to fund the shelter once the seed money runs out) that will allow us to provide shelter to an additional 400 youth each year. In order to underscore Covenant House’s successful track record of service to young people, we met with the Minister for Children and Families, Tom Christensen, in Victoria and introduced him to Sheldon Vance.
Tying in with our 10th anniversary, we welcomed Sheldon back to Covenant House, where 10 years ago, he stayed when his life had taken a turn for the worse. Sheldon was one of the very first youth to access our shelter when we opened and credits us for helping him turn his life around. In addition to meeting with Minister Christensen, Sheldon and Covenant House executive director, Krista Thompson also met briefly with Premier Gordon Campbell (pictured right) As visitors in the House, we received a warm welcome from Minister Christensen.
Minister Christensen’s introduction:
Many members of the House will be very familiar with the good work done at Covenant House in Vancouver. In fact, Covenant House opened its doors in Vancouver ten years ago tomorrow. Since that time, more than 10,000 street youth have been helped off the street by the folks at Covenant House.
Today we are joined by three guests from Covenant House. We have with us the executive director Krista Thompson, and her communications and media relations director Michelle Clausius. They are joined by a very special guest, one of their many success stories and alumni, Sheldon Vance.
Ten years ago Sheldon was having a difficult time leaving the streets of Vancouver. Thanks to the good works of Covenant House, he was put on a very strong path. Today Sheldon is finishing his master's degree in child psychology. He is the director of the Okanagan Youth in Care Network and runs a program called the circle of courage at Métis Children and Family Services.
He is married and has two small children and has a continued passion for youth participation by supporting many youth-driven activities within the city of Kelowna. He is definitely making a difference to youth in his community. That is, in part, thanks to a good start at Covenant House.