It’s been a labour of love, but the renovated building, home to Covenant House Vancouver’s Rights of Passage program, is officially open!
The Rights of Passage program provides youth with safe, affordable, transitional housing, guidance, structure, and support to prepare them for living out in the community and achieving their educational and employment goals.
To mark this auspicious day, Covenant House Vancouver hosted a press conference that was attended by many of the city’s dignitaries. Among them were: Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South; Brenda Bailey, Member of the Legislature for Vancouver-False Creek; and Sarah Kirby-Yung City of Vancouver.
Taken from the CMHC press release: “The four-storey building at 326 West Pender Street is the result of partnership between the federal and provincial governments, the City of Vancouver, and Covenant House Vancouver. Covenant House operates the building and provides youth with on-site services including life skills training, education and employment opportunities, case management services, and access to clinical supports through their Rights of Passage (ROP) program.”
Also in attendance was Chelsea Minhas, Chief Program and Impact Officer at Covenant House Vancouver. She had this to say about the opening of ROP: “This partnership is unlocking the doors to endless possibilities and hope for a brighter future. Our developmentally appropriate housing will equip young people with the skills that they need and support that they deserve, as they transition to adulthood. Rooted in best practices, our homes let young people know that we see them, that they matter, and that they are worth it.”
To youth in ROP, the program offers:
- A fully furnished, private apartment
- 24-hour staff support
- Daily dinners
- Individualized goal setting with a social worker
- Life skills support
- Employment and education support
- Recreational, cultural, and wellness opportunities
- Housing transition planning
The renovated building offers:
- A training kitchen
- A fitness room
- Single, self-contained units, each with a bathroom and kitchenette
- A starter kit that includes kitchenware and cleaning supplies
- A laundry area on each floor
- A communal lounge area
- An outdoor courtyard with a garden and barbeque
- An Indigenous medicine cabinet
- A bike share program
Covenant House Vancouver would like to thank all those that attended today’s exciting event. We would especially like to thank the federal and provincial governments, and the City of Vancouver for making this renovation a reality and for their efforts in supporting vulnerable youth in the community.