Thank you Bob's Discount Furniture!
We know a good night's sleep is important for all young people and that's why we're honored to donate beds to the newly opened Transitional Living Program: Rights of Passage (ROP) at Covenant House International, a shelter and service provider for youth experiencing homelessness. Thank you to the employees of Bob's South Loop, Chicago store for helping to make beds and particiapte in the ribbon cutting of the new facility. https://lnkd.in/eg2veiMm
Pride month at Covenant House was filled with volunteer opportunities for our awesome corporate partners! From banner painting with QBE Insurance to kit packing with MetLife to bracelet making with Accenture, we had such a great time connecting our supporters and our youth over shared joy and Pride.
Today's decision by the Supreme Court in the Johnson v. Grants Pass case sets a dangerous precedent for the quarter of a million people who sleep outside each night in America and for the millions of families who are just one missed paycheck away from homelessness. This ruling makes it easier to jail or ticket homeless people and youth for sleeping outside, which will make homelessness worse. Covenant House stands unwavering in our commitment to be there for any youth who comes to our doors. Help end youth homelessness and create opportunities for self-reliance when you make your gift today: https://lnkd.in/eJ5MB93m.
Covenant House Georgia CEO Dr. Alie Redd is returning to serve as co-chair of the Atlanta Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board! Almost a third of Covenant House residents identify as LGBTQ+, and we're proud to have Dr. Redd advocating for queer youth in Atlanta. She says: “Atlanta stands as a beacon of hope and inclusivity, and the undisputed LGBTQ capital of the south. The Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board is proud to continue advising and supporting Mayor Dickens, the Division of LGBTQ+ Affairs and City officials.”
A decision on Johnson v Grants Pass is expected today. The most important Supreme Court case on homelessness in the last 40 years will decide whether cities and towns have the right to fine and arrest people for sleeping outside with basic protections like a blanket and pillow. Check in here for updates and analysis as the ruling approaches. “As someone who was homeless as a teenager, I can say first-hand how difficult it is to get back on your feet. Creating criminal penalties to address homelessness will only worsen the issue and prevent the opportunity for those to get ahead. Instead of eliminating homelessness, these penalties exacerbate the struggles homeless populations face, making it harder for them to overcome their circumstances.” - Dan Freed, Former resident of Covenant House New York
Our friends at Synchrony are taking huge #Strides4Pride — they signed up one hundred team members in just a single weekend! They've set their team goal at a whopping $50,000 and are already more than halfway there. If you want to get in on the action and show your pride by helping fund crucial services for queer youth experiencing homelessness, Strides for Pride is for you. Register as an individual, join a team, or start your own at https://lnkd.in/e8H6u_uy
With Covenant House board member Ariana DeBose hosting the Tonys tonight, we thought it'd be the perfect time to tell you about this summer's Sleep Out: Stage & Screen! Our supporters from the Broadway, film, and television industries will give up their beds on August 18th, sleeping outside to raise funds and awareness. Their uncomfortable night turns into safe shelter for youth facing homelessness. If you want to support your favorite actor's campaign, or if you're an industry professional and want to participate, you can get involved at https://lnkd.in/eb-9V_vp
18% of young men facing homelessness report being a parent. This Father's Day, we're honoring the nurturing, loving fathers at Covenant House. Our board member and former resident Jason Villanueva knows how valuable it is to be provided with care, concern, and love. Experiencing those things during his time at Covenant House profoundly impacted his goals for fatherhood. As he says: "it all started here, the calling to help somebody in need. As a father and husband, I want to keep doing this." Happy Father's Day to all.
After #CovHillDay on Wednesday, our advocacy team participated in some key meetings in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, including a meeting at the White House to discuss opportunities for more affordable-for-youth housing. Alison Kear, CEO of Covenant House Alaska, Bill Bedrossian, CEO of Covenant House International, and Lori Maloney, SVP Public Policy + Advocacy met with with Laurie Schoemann, Senior Advisor Housing Policy, White House Domestic Policy Council and Catherine Powell, Senior Advisor on Gender-based Violence.
Kaleef Starks, a former Peer Navigator at Covenant House California, has an amazing story to tell. Having experienced homelessness herself, she's now giving back and modeling success for Black trans youth as a multimedia personality. This profile dives into how she overcame challenges, got an amazing education for herself, and built a career in Hollywood. And if you're looking for a new source of lifestyle & pop culture news, make sure to check out her podcast The Stark Effect!
