Our housing team helps young people transition to independent living by supporting them in a variety of ways, including:

Our Housing Support Workers teach youth to find appropriate accommodation options. We help them search newspapers and websites, go with them to look at accommodations, and help them weigh the pros and cons of a place.

Through our networks, we introduce young people to landlords and liaise with other service providers and housing registries. We even help them with the basics they need for a successful housing search—like a bus pass, clean clothing and reference lists.

Finding suitable accommodations for young people in Vancouver is extremely difficult. A recent survey by one of our Housing Workers revealed that of the 2,500 single-room occupancy hotels in Vancouver, only two spaces were available. And these were at a cost of $700/month, which is double the housing allowance provided by Income Assistance (IA).

Moving day is a big transition for anyone, but for young people who have been living on the street, it can be all the more daunting. We help them move in and, thanks to people’s generous donations, provide them with start-up kits, food bags and furniture.

We are there to support them, celebrate with them, and help them to set up and feel comfortable in their new home.

After someone has found a good home, we help them hold on to it. Through in-home visits, we check in to make sure everything is working out.

We help youth learn to be responsible tenants and liaise with their landlord if they need help. Our Housing Support Workers can also refer young people with addictions and behaviour management issues to the help they need.

Can you imagine trying to learn how to budget, cook meals and take care of yourself if no one had ever helped you? Our young people don’t have families to ask for help. At Covenant House, we teach them basic life skills, including how to: