The Journey | Covenant House New Jersey

The journey to escape homelessness for good is unique to each young person.

The path is not the same for everyone. Some youth choose to walk with us for a short time. Others choose to stay with us for years, utilizing all of the services available to them as they move on.

The journey to a bright future is possible, but it does not happen overnight. It takes courage, persistence, patience, resilience and true grit. We salute our incredibly brave young people! You have our respect and our admiration. We love you!

To our caring and generous donors, who continue to make each child’s journey possible, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Outreach

Our Outreach Team works to develop relationships with youth on the streets, building trust, offering them assistance with basic necessities and inviting them to stay at one of our Crisis Centers in Newark or Atlantic City.

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Drop-in Centers

We provide services to youth walking in from the streets who are not ready for or in need of residential care in five locations in New Jersey. This includes our three Drop In Centers located in Asbury Park, Camden, and Jersey City and our two Crisis Centers located in Atlantic City and Newark. These facilities allow us to have a place in communities where youth homelessness is prevalent.

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Residential Crisis Centers

When a young person comes into one of our Residential Crisis Centers for help, we meet them where they are. We start with a smile, a kind word, a meal, a hot shower, clean clothes, and a bed where our kids can safely get some much-needed rest.

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Transitional Living

Rights of Passage Homes

For many of our young people, the Rights of Passage (ROP) program is the next step beyond Crisis Care for young men and women on their journey to independent living. While at ROP young people work to develop the skills and knowledge to live independently and make the transition to adulthood. Learn More

Nancy’s Place

For many homeless youth, mental illness poses an obstacle to their independence. We opened Nancy’s Place in Montclair for youth to address their mental health in a safe and supportive environment where they can learn the skills they need to live on their own. Learn More

Raphael’s Life House

Raphael's Life House is Covenant House New Jersey's Mother Child program, created to help homeless and pregnant young women secure a brighter, more stable future for themselves and their newborn babies.
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StreetLight – Under Construction

The StreetLight building, located in the heart of Elizabeth, New Jersey is under construction. The property will provide easy access for residents to bus and train lines. We are presently raising funds for this initiative. Learn More

Independent Living

When our young people move out to properties that Covenant House New Jersey does not own, we consider them living independently. We are still there, for as long as they need us with Independent Living services helping them to succeed.

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Alumni

We know that a young person’s journey to success does not end when they leave Covenant House. We welcome our alumni back to participate in holiday celebrations, special events, and marketing campaigns.

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Meet Our Youth

Jordan’s Story

Growing up, both of my parent’s sold drugs. My father was a member of one of the most violent gangs …

Shawn’s Story

In another home I was forced to kneel on uncooked rice as punishment.

Justine’s Story

When I was younger my mother killed my sister who was only five months old and went to jail.

Kenny’s Story

My father walked out on our family on my first birthday. My mother being so young and unable to support …