The Genesis Shelter Program is a 20-bed emergency shelter where youth can stay for up to 30 days. Longer stays are approved on a case-by-case basis. All intakes into this program are first-come, first-served. Genesis is partially funded through support from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, Emergency Solutions Grant, and the Mental Health Board (MHB).
The Transitional Living Program provides apartment-like housing on the third floor of our building, where youth can live safely for up to two years. There are 10 apartments with two private bedrooms in each apartment, for a total of 20 beds. All intakes into this program are through the St Louis region’s Coordinated Entry process, which ensures that those experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to available beds. Individuals in need of housing in the region are assessed and connected to appropriate options based on need. This program is partially funded with support from the Mental Health Board (MHB) and St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund.
In both programs, we first meet immediate basic needs, such as food and clothing, for all youth. Once their needs are met, a plan is developed with each youth to identify action steps to move from their crisis situation into increased stability for the future. Both programs practice open intake and housing first, meaning services are open to all, on a first-come, first-served basis with no prerequisites.
Our residential services go far beyond shelter and basic needs, providing comprehensive wraparound services to support youth, including individual and group therapy, on-site psychiatry appointments, a health clinic, education and employment support, transportation and medication assistance, and case management to identify and achieve individualized goals. While living at Covenant House, youth continue their education, find jobs, and work on skills needed for independent living. In group and individual settings, youth learn life skills such as budgeting, laundry, cooking, conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, social skills, navigating public transportation systems, and other skills based on individual need. The goal for all youth is a successful transition to sustainable independent living.
All of our services incorporate evidence based practices, including our core program philosophies of Housing First, Strengths Based Approach, Positive Youth Development, Trauma Informed Care, and Harm Reduction. These proven strategies for effectively supporting homeless youth in achieving success guide our staff trainings, practices, and policies.
