Covenant House Missouri Raises Minimum Wage to $15 to Invest in Talent and Growing Operations
August 10, 2021 (St. Louis, MO) – In company-wide meetings at the start of their new fiscal year in July, Covenant House Missouri leadership announced an increase in the organization’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, effective August 1. The increase in the minimum pay rate from $11 to $15 per hour is part of the organization’s current strategic plan. One of four areas of focus is to develop and invest in the organization’s human talent.
This pay structure change effects both current and future employees. Of the organization’s current 56-member team, 40% of the employees were positively impacted with wage increases this fiscal year. A team-member who has been with the organization for three years shared, “I love my job and my Covenant House family. My pay rate increase meant a lot to me - personally and professionally. I know leadership is committed to our team – and their actions show it.”
“We are in the people business. It takes good people to care for and support youth on their journey from homelessness to hope,” said Jessica Erfling, CEO of Covenant House Missouri. “The work we do would not be possible without the effort, energy and around the clock commitment of our stellar front-line employees. This announcement reflects our commitment to fair and equitable compensation for every person in every position.”
The organization also wants to attract the best, most talented candidates for hire, as operations continue to grow and expand. The wage increase follows an announcement that Covenant House will be adding 18 new beds for young people experiencing homelessness in the St. Louis area.
The decision to increase the organization’s minimum wage received unanimous support from the Board of Directors. Rodney Gee, Vice-Chair of the Board and member of the organization’s Human Talent Committee, shares, “We believe in equity, we need to stay competitive, and we want our compensation practices to reflect our beliefs and investment in the dedicated team members that choose to serve in these essential, care-giving roles.”
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About Covenant House Missouri: Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) welcomes all youth who are runaway, trafficked, at-risk, or experiencing homelessness with unconditional love, absolute respect, and a place to call home. Beyond shelter and basic needs, we deliver transformative solutions to help young people ages 16 to 24 build productive, independent, and sustainable lives. To see a list of current career opportunities with CHMO visit covenanthousemo.org/workforchmo.