As we enter Pride Month, it’s a time for celebration, reflection, and solidarity. At Covenant House Vancouver, we proudly stand with the 2SLGBTQAI+ community and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering 2SLGBTQAI+ youth experiencing homelessness.
The Challenges Faced by 2SLGBTQAI+ Youth
For many 2SLGBTQAI+ youth, Pride Month is a poignant reminder of the challenges they face daily. It’s a stark reality that 25–40% of homeless youth identify as 2SLGBTQAI+. Family rejection of 2SLGBTQAI+ youth, due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, is the leading cause of homelessness among these young individuals. Additionally, they are at a significantly higher risk of mental health challenges.
Our Mission and Services
Covenant House Vancouver serves the Lower Mainland by offering a continuum of care for homeless, at-risk, trafficked, and exploited youth, age 16–24. Our services include Outreach and our Drop-In Centre, where youth can access meals, get rest, and have a shower. We also have two housing programs that offer a variety of support services such as counselling, mental health support, art therapy, life skills, educational and vocational training, recreational activities, and outings.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space
We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all youth. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQAI+ youth, we strive to provide unconditional love and absolute respect. Our trauma-informed, resilience-focused approach ensures that our staff are equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to support these young individuals.
Our Drop-In Centre hosts a special event for 2SLGBTQAI+ youth once a month, which is a safe and welcoming space for connection and community.
Covenant House Vancouver’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated through our Rainbow Advisory Committee. This committee, comprising 2SLGBTQAI+ staff from various roles and departments, was established in 2018. It ensures that the unique needs of 2SLGBTQAI+ youth are met and that they receive the tailored support required to heal from their specific traumas.
Our facilities include 63 beds in our short-term Crisis Program: 24 beds for female-identified, trans, and non-binary youth, and 35 beds for male-identified, trans, and non-binary youth. We honour the preferences of trans, gender queer, non-binary, and Two Spirit youth by allowing them to choose the space where they feel most comfortable.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This Pride Month, we invite you to join us in spreading awareness and supporting 2SLGBTQAI+ youth. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission, your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of these young individuals.
Together, we can create a world where every youth, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity, respect, and love.
Happy Pride!
For more information on how you can get involved, please visit https://www.covenanthousebc.org/ or contact us at info@covenanthousebc.org.