October 17th is designated as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. According to the UN Secretary-General, “Poverty is not a personal failure; it is a systemic failure — a denial of dignity and human rights.”
Overcoming poverty isn’t just about income, it’s about dignity, justice, and belonging.
- Over 690 million people live in extreme income poverty
- Around 1.1 billion people face acute multidimensional poverty — overlapping deprivations in health, education, and living standards
People living in poverty may experience interrelated circumstances that inhibit their ability to realize their rights, and thus perpetuate their poverty, such as:
- dangerous work conditions
- unsafe housing
- lack of nutritious food
- unequal access to justice
- lack of political power
- limited access to healthcare
Getting Ahead of the Problem
Poverty and homelessness are inextricably linked.
At Covenant House Vancouver, we are working to get ahead of the problem. We are working to provide supports to youth and families, and improve systems to stop youth from entering the streets. Our goal is to create transformative change.
We help over 160 youth every day with shelter, support, and safe space for youth to be themselves. Our programs and services are designed to treat every aspect of a young person’s life — mind, body, and spirit.
Every young person is unique, and our one-size-fits-one approach means that we tailor our support to meet each youth’s needs. Here are some of the ways that we help young people create the safe, sustainable lives that they want for themselves:
- Life skills: critical to sustaining independence, such as cooking, budgeting, and renting
- Counselling: mental health, art therapy, and wellness
- Physical health: fitness rooms, multipurpose gym, and experienced trainers
- Educational support: tutoring, school supplies, and scholarships
- Employment support: obtaining certifications (such as first aid, WHIMIS), resume writing, and interview skills
- Creating community: through internal and external activities, events, and connecting to other groups or organizations
- Mentoring: to support any area of interest to a young person
In addition, we advocate for young people and for policy change to better support vulnerable and at-risk youth.
Community support helps Covenant House Vancouver help young people. Thanks to your support:
- Last year, we distributed15,000+ items of clothing, which gave youth dignity, confidence, and autonomy
- Over the last 5 years, we’ve helped 500+youth find a safe place to call home
Together, we can stop the cycle of poverty and homelessness, before it starts.