Description
Our 22-bed crisis shelter is open 24 hours a day and helps young people aged 16 - 22.
Young people self refer to the shelter on a first-come, first-served basis. When a young person first arrives, we take care of their immediate needs first, which is often medical care and always food and rest. After three days, a youth worker sits down with a young person and helps them determine a plan for the future.
The crisis shelter provides sanctuary from the streets and structure for young people desperately needing to make changes in their life. Young people meet with a youth worker twice per day and work towards an individualized plan to exit the streets.
We make a "covenant" or agreement with each young person that says we will do everything in our power to help, as long as they are genuinely trying to stick to their plan. Each young person is treated individually and everything from their cultural and religious needs to dietary restrictions is incorporated into their care.
Eligibility/Program Expectations
- Adherence to a fairly structured routine, including a 10:00 p.m. curfew (Sun.-Thurs.; 11:00 on Fri. and Sat.)
- no drugs, alcohol or weapons
- no illegal activity or sex trade involvement allowed
The Crisis Shelter provides
- 24 hour crisis care
- counselling (two daily meetings with a youth worker)
- access to an in-house addictions management program and a life-skills training program
- certified drug and alcohol counsellor available and access to in-house addictions management program
- referrals to other social service agencies including: medical professionals, addictions specialists (including detox), and mental health counselors
- help getting identification and Income Assistance (IA)
- employment and housing search assistance
- help with repatriation (sending a young person home to a family member) or family reunification
- recreational outings
- shared or private room
- 3 meals/day plus snacks
- laundry
FAQs
How do I get a bed at the Crisis Shelter?
The best thing to do is to call us to find out if we have an opening before coming down. We're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you're already in the neighbourhood, you can drop by our reception to ask for a bed. Even if we're full, we can call other shelters to find you a place to stay.
Is the shelter a safe place for me to stay?
Yes! The Crisis Shelter is a sanctuary. This means that the shelter is a place where weapons, violence, harassment, discrimination, property destruction, involvement in the sex trade, and the abuse and possession of alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
How long can I stay?
There is no maximum length of time you can stay. You can stay for as long as it takes you to complete your plan with us.
What do you mean by "working on a plan"?
After three days in the shelter, you will meet with a worker to talk about what you'd like to achieve while you're staying with us. Your plan could include getting healthy, a job training program, job search, accommodation search, drug and alcohol counseling, school, or repatriation. You will be asked to work on your goals from 9:00 - 4:00 Monday to Friday.
What if I already have a job, and I have to work past curfew?
If you're working full-time hours, then that will be your plan. You can continue to work and save up money for your own apartment. If you need to work past curfew, that's not a problem.
Does it cost anything to stay at the Crisis Shelter?
No. You do not have to pay anything to stay here. If you're collecting Income Assistance, your welfare worker will pay us a small portion of that month's rent allowance for each day you stay here. It will not affect your comfort allowance from Income Assistance.
Can I save money while I'm staying there?
Absolutely. In fact, while you're staying in the Crisis Shelter, you will be required to save 80% of any money you make. This will help you save up money to pay your rent, pay your bills, and buy groceries when you move out.
Testimonials
"I'm sorry it has taken me so long to let you know that I made it home all right. I'm happy to be home with my grandparents. I wanted to thank everyone who helped me out. I couldn't of done it without your help. I'm going to school again and hope to finish my grade 12 next year. It's hard work but I think I can handle it."
"I would like to thank all of the Covenant House staff for their concern for street youth and the young people that are in need of direction. When I was in need of a friend or people who cared you were there for me and I really appreciate that sincerely."
"The staff is great. They make you feel safe and feel wanted. If you need anything they are there through thick and thin."
"Hey guys! I just wanna say how thankful I am to be taken care of throughout this week. I really appreciate what all the staff have done with me, as well as the kids, they treated me with great respect, they made me feel welcome. "
"I don't know if you'll remember me, but I stayed at Covenant House a few years ago. Like too many other youth, I too had a problem with cocaine and heroine and while with you, was dealing with trafficking charges.
I just wanted to let you know that I've been clean for 4 years and own my own business. My business is very successful and I'm living very comfortably and in good spirit. I now have a beautiful 2 yr. old son who is as much a blessing as you were.
At a time when I was being consumed by bad mistakes and judgment calls, you took me in and gave me the chance that I wasn't able to give myself. For that I am eternally grateful and forever in debt to you all. Your heart and desire to make a change in this world has helped so many of us tread through the most difficult times of our lives. You've shown us that we have the strength to conquer the world if we want it bad enough and that gift is something that only a chosen few are blessed with.
Please keep up the good work, as so many still need you."
How Successful is the Crisis Shelter?
Based on a 20-day stay in the crisis shelter |
Upon |
6 Months After Leaving |
Favourable Housing Acquired |
0% |
64% |
Employment Acquired |
10% |
55% |
Involved in an Educational Program |
25% |
30% |
Requires Mental Health Care |
50% |
37% |
Requires Legal Aid |
20% |
10% |
Requires Substance Abuse Counselling |
41% |
33% |
Requires Medical Care |
40% |
29% |
Taken from a study done by the Menninger Foundation
Contact the Shelter staff
By Phone : 604-685-7474
Toll free: 1-877-685-7474
Crisis Shelter Manager: email
Client Services Coordinator: email