Beyond Shelter:
Housing Programs and Supportive Services at Covenant House Illinois
Residential Program
If you need a place to sleep, reset, and focus on your goals, our residential programs offer safe housing, support, and real help for the future. You’ll have your own bed, meals, and a team that works with you on things like school, jobs, mental health, and finding permanent housing. We meet you where you are, and help you get where you want to go.
Drop-In Center
No appointment. No pressure. Just support.
You don’t have to stay with us to get help. Our Drop-In Center is a place where you can stop by for meals, showers, laundry, clothing, and a break from the street. You can also get help with things like IDs, jobs, school, health care, or housing — all at your own pace.
What You Can Expect
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You won’t be judged
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You don’t have to have everything figured out
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Your identity is respected
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You choose your goals — we help you reach them
Case Management Services
We offer a safe, supportive space where young people are respected and met where they are. Our Clinical Case Managers partner with youth to set goals, provide clinical and case management support, and connect them to the services they need — on-site and in the community.
Outreach Services
Our Community Outreach Services work closely with schools, community centers, and local partners to make sure youth experiencing homelessness know about our services. Through collaboration and referrals, we help connect young people to safe spaces, support, and resources, so no one has to spend a night on the streets.
Workforce Development
We provide on-site job and education support, along with connections to workforce training and employment through partner organizations. Youth can come back as often as they need while working toward their goals.
What We Believe: Our 5 Guiding Principles
Immediacy
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Homeless youth come to Covenant House in crisis. Immediately and without question, we meet their basic human needs – a nourishing meal, a shower, clean clothes, medical attention and a safe place away from the dangers of the street or an abusive home.
Sanctuary
Homeless young people arriving at our door are often frightened and mistrustful. They can grow only when they feel safe and secure. Covenant House protects them from the trauma of the street and offers a critical sense of security.
Value Communication
Covenant House Illinois strives to achieve the highest level of care. We lead by example that caring relationships are based on trust, respect and honesty.
Structure
Homeless youth never know how they will get their next meal or where they will sleep. Covenant House provides the stability and structure necessary to build a positive future.
Choice
Young people often feel powerless to control their lives and fall into a self-defeating cycle of failure. Our work fosters confidence, encouraging young people to believe in themselves and make smart choices for their lives.