Covenant House Texas Secures $200K for Youth Homeless Program Expansion

A significant boost for Houston's homeless youth services was announced during the recent Quality of Life Committee meeting, with the city approving an additional $200,000 for Covenant House Texas. This funding will enhance operations for a youth homeless program aimed at supporting 80 unaccompanied young adults aged 18 to 24. The program, which includes emergency shelter, transitional living services, and case management, is set to run from April 2024 through March 2026.

Felicia Broussard, Chief Development Officer at Covenant House Texas, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating it will help cover increased maintenance and security costs at their newly opened 104,000 square foot campus. This expansion allows the organization to serve up to 50% more youth, providing essential services such as mental health care, employment support, and basic needs assistance.

The meeting also addressed the tracking of services and outcomes, with Broussard confirming that they utilize multiple platforms to ensure accurate reporting on client progress and service delivery. This includes a monthly review process to assess housing stability and other key metrics.

In addition to the Covenant House funding, the committee discussed a new subrecipient agreement with Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, which will receive up to $700,000 to operate a street medicine program. This initiative aims to provide medical care and support to at least 200 households experiencing homelessness annually, further underscoring the city's commitment to addressing homelessness through comprehensive health services.

These developments reflect Houston's ongoing efforts to enhance support for vulnerable populations, particularly youth, as part of a broader strategy to improve quality of life across the city.