Covenant House New York Announces New Grant to Address Workforce Development And Youth Homelessness in the Bronx

$50,000 Grant Will Help Youth Shelter Expand Transitional Living Program

New York,Covenant House New York today announced it received a $50,000 grant to help advance workforce development from Bank of America. BofA Global Research Analyst Alex Perry presented the grant at Covenant House’s Glebe Avenue location in the Bronx on March 4th

Credit: Bank of America

Alex was inspired to support Covenant House New York after participating in one of its Sleep Out events, during which participants spend a night on the street in solidarity with youth who have faced homelessness. 

Covenant House New York is a shelter for youth experiencing homelessness that also provides services to help children further their education and secure jobs. Its Rights of Passage transitional living program addresses long-term needs of at-risk youth, specifically those who have transitioned out of a crisis shelter. Covenant House says 80% of children in the program are able to secure stable housing, and, in 2018, more than 300 young people advanced their education through Covenant House. In June 2019, the program expanded to the Bronx, where, according to data from Urban Institute, more than one in five students has experienced homelessness.

“According to a 2017 Chapin Hall study, approximately 4.2 million unaccompanied young adults and children in the United States experience some form of homelessness in the course of a year.  This shows the crucial nature of our work at Covenant House. With support from Bank of America, we are able to continue providing shelter, healthcare and mental health services, legal services, skillset development, educational assistance, workforce training, and much more,” said Sister Nancy Downing, Executive Director at Covenant House New York.  

“Bank of America is committed to economic mobility and values the work of nonprofit organizations such as Covenant House that share our same ideals. A program like Rights of Passage is vital for the success of at-risk and homeless youth in New York City, and we’re proud to help such an important program expand to the Bronx,” said Jeff Barker, New York State president, Bank of America.

“The opportunities Covenant House provides for at-risk youth are crucial for the growth and development of our communities. I feel honored to be able to present Covenant House with this $50,000 grant on behalf of Bank of America and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the young individuals who will shape our future,” said Alex Perry.

Perry’s participation in the Covenant House Sleep Out is just one demonstration of how Bank of America teammates regularly engage in their local communities. The company allows individuals up to two paid hours per week with manager approval for volunteering with nonprofit organizations. 

Founded in 1972, Covenant House is the largest privately funded agency in the Americas serving homeless and trafficked youth,  providing 24/7 crisis care and ongoing support in 31 cities across six countries. For more information go to www.covenanthouse.org

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