A Letter from Susan | July 2026

Dear Friends,

July marks the beginning of a new fiscal year at Covenant House Illinois—a natural moment to reflect on where we've been, celebrate what we've accomplished together, and look ahead to the work that still lies before us.

The past year was one of growth, transition, and resilience. We welcomed new members of our Executive Leadership Team including our Chief Program Officer, Willis Francis, and our Chief Operating Officer, Shivonnia “Shay” Dickson, continued to strengthen our programs, and navigated an environment that continues to be marked by uncertainty and turbulence. Through it all, our mission remained constant: ensuring that every young person who comes through our doors is met with safety, compassion, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Some of our proudest moments will never make headlines. They are found in milestones like Vono receiving the keys to his very own apartment, J.N. securing meaningful employment, or Malik moving into our Rights of Passage transitional living program. These victories—large and small—represent the reason we do this work. Each one is a reminder that, with the right support, young people can overcome extraordinary obstacles and create lives defined not by their past, but by their potential.

Together, we reached 469 young people across all services this past fiscal year. One hundred sixteen youth found shelter, stability, and individualized support through our residential programs, while hundreds more accessed critical resources through our drop-in center, employment and education programming, mental health services, and street outreach and aftercare efforts. Behind every number is a young person with a unique story, and because of your generosity, each one found someone willing to walk alongside them on their journey.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we are also reminded that the need has never disappeared.

This month, Chicago has endured another stretch of extreme heat, powerful storms, and unhealthy air quality driven by wildfire smoke. Most of us have the ability to seek shelter, turn on the air conditioning, or simply stay indoors until conditions improve.

But what if none of those options existed?

For far too many young people experiencing homelessness, they don't.

This is the reality our youth face every day. CHIL exists not only to provide immediate refuge from the elements (though this can be lifesaving), but to offer something far more enduring: the resources, relationships, and opportunities that help young people secure stable housing, meaningful employment, better health, and lasting independence. That work is only possible because of committed partners and supporters like you. Thank you for making it possible.

July is also about looking ahead.

This month, we begin developing our next three-year strategic plan, building on the momentum of the last several years while listening carefully to the voices of the young people we serve. Together with our Board of Directors, staff, partners, and community, we will define the priorities that will guide our organization through the next chapter of growth. As we also approach Covenant House Illinois' tenth anniversary, this planning process is an opportunity not simply to envision what comes next, but to ensure we are prepared to meet the evolving needs of young people for years to come.

I am filled with optimism for the year ahead. With more than 8,000 18–24-year-olds are experiencing homelessness in Chicago right now, I know the challenges are significant. But so is our resolve.

Every day, I witness the extraordinary dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Board of Directors, the commitment of our community partners, and the generosity of supporters like you. Together, we have seen lives transformed and futures rewritten.

I know that if we continue this journey together, we can create a future where every young person has not only a safe place to sleep, but a place to belong, the opportunity to thrive, and the confidence to build the life they deserve.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing beside our young people every step of the way.

With gratitude,

Susan Reyna-Guerrero, LCSW

Chief Executive Officer

Covenant House Illinois