In FY23, we served more youth with better outcomes. We served 1,488 youth across our core programs and services, which was a 19% increase over FY22. Over 74,000 (+25% vs. FY22) nights of housing were provided. An average of 203 (+30% vs. FY22) youth found a safe place to stay (in a bed paid for by Covenant House) each night. Beyond the confines of the “numbers”, our FY23 Impact Report outlines a strategic investment in the lives of individuals facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking beyond just providing food and shelter.
More Than Food and Shelter
With a comprehensive suite of programs spanning aftercare to employment and education support, we are developing resilience and skills in our youth to help them transition to long term independent living. Resilience-building activities engaged 77% of the youth in FY23, showcasing the organization’s commitment to nurturing not just immediate needs but long-term potential. Through our overall work, especially at our Dove Learning Center, our youth experienced substantial positive transformations. Key performance indicators in FY23 include
- 255 youth gaining or maintaining employment,
- 258 youth engaging in on-site job readiness, and
- 59% moving to a positive living environment.
All for youth who were facing homelessness and much adversity in their young lives. In FY23, youth come into our care with diverse experiences and needs as follows:
- 32% foster care history
- 40% do not have a high school diploma or GED
- 26% survivors of domestic violence
Human Trafficking Victim Services Program
Through our work with the State of New Jersey, we provide 24/7 call center support, case management, and case coordination for survivors of human trafficking of any age and any housing status in the State of New Jersey. In this capacity, our Human Trafficking Victim Services program served 180 clients statewide in FY23.
The Future
We are proud that we served more youth with better outcomes in FY23, but our work is far from over. Demand for our services continues to remain high and we continue our efforts to improve our infrastructure and our services. Most recently, we were delighted to reopen our renovated Nancy’s Place. We also completed research work in conjunction with local counties to better identify youth experiencing homelessness in schools. This work will lead to better access of supportive services for students via the McKinney Vento Act.
Through unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support, as well as the support of the broader Covenant House New Jersey community, we continue to showcase and drive positive change in the lives of those facing homelessness and human trafficking.
