Crisis Program
Every number is a story. Donor support is the ink that enables the youth at Covenant House Vancouver to write their stories. We would like to thank our donors for their relentless support that makes these stories possible.
Our 2021 Impact Report is now available online. Over the next few weeks, we are going to highlight a few of the stats from that report. This week we are going to highlight our Crisis Program.
Last year, 253 youth stayed in our Crisis Program! That’s 253 unique stories.
What is the Crisis Program?
The Crisis Program is part of our Continuum of Care services that welcome youth, between the ages of 16 and 24, who are at risk for, or are experiencing, homelessness. We provide compassion and support as caring adults, and provide the opportunity for a fresh start.
When they arrive, young people have often experienced trauma. They are scared, sick, hungry, and exhausted. Our first priority is to meet their basic needs:
- Medical attention
- Nutritious food
- A safe place to sleep
Clothing and hygiene supplies are also provided. Youth can also receive employment and education supports, access to Registered Clinical Counsellors, social workers, and help to transition to independence, when they are ready.
The Importance of the Crisis Program
Young people can stay in the Crisis Program free of charge for as long as they need to, because getting through a crisis takes as long as it takes. When out of crisis, many young people apply to our long-term supportive transitional housing program, Rights of Passage, which allows us to provide them with support in an environment that feels like home.
An important component that Covenant House Vancouver provides in supporting youth in crisis is our Integrated Case Management approach. The Case Management Team is comprised of social workers who work to provide youth-focused, coordinated and all-encompassing services to youth.
Covenant House Vancouver takes a trauma-informed approach to caring for our young people. Trauma-informed care involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Trauma informed care also emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety and helps youth rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Our social workers seek to focus and build upon the unique gifts and strengths that our young people possess.
Integrated Case Management may include:
- Assessments of over-all health (mental, physical and spiritual)
- Creation and implementation of weekly case plans
- Short- and long-term goal setting
- Referrals to and coordination of specialized services like psychiatrists and other medical professionals
Youth staying in our Crisis Program receive this integrated approach to overcome their trauma, along with the support needed to build the future that they envision.