The Cove in Waco enhances youth homelessness support with new partnerships and programs

The McLennan County Commissioners' Court meeting on July 10, 2025, highlighted significant efforts to address youth homelessness in the region, particularly through the work of The Cove, an organization dedicated to supporting high school students experiencing homelessness. The Cove operates primarily in Waco and collaborates with four school districts: Waco, Midway, La Vega, and Connally, which recently joined the partnership.

The organization provides essential services, including after-school programs, community outreach, and a drop-in center where youth can access showers, laundry, food, emergency shelter, and assistance with school enrollment and job interviews. The Cove's overarching goal is to end youth homelessness in Central Texas by ensuring that such experiences are rare, brief, and nonrecurring. A key focus is helping students graduate high school, as those who do are significantly less likely to face homelessness as adults.

In the 2023-2024 school year, Texas reported over 121,000 students experiencing homelessness, marking a concerning increase. The Cove aims to disrupt this cycle by supporting youth in their educational pursuits and facilitating positive transitions to further education or employment.

During the meeting, it was noted that The Cove has already served 130 high schoolers in 2025, surpassing last year's numbers. The organization has achieved a graduation rate of 74% among its participants, which is higher than the average for homeless students. Additionally, a new multi-agency program led by Prosper Waco aims to engage disconnected youth, with initial sessions yielding promising results, including job placements and educational enrollments.

The Cove also faces challenges, including potential funding cuts from federal grants that constitute a significant portion of its budget. Legislative efforts targeting homelessness services have also been a focus, with recent bills proposing restrictions on service locations near parks and schools. Despite these hurdles, The Cove continues to gain recognition for its impactful work, recently receiving an award for leadership from the Texas Network of Youth Services.

The meeting underscored the importance of community partnerships in tackling youth homelessness and the ongoing commitment of The Cove to support vulnerable populations in McLennan County.