Rights of Passage

Most homeless kids who come through our doors have never learned how to live independently – to take care of themselves, find and keep a job, save money, pay bills on time, cook a healthy meal, or even do the dishes.

But through Rights of Passage, our kids learn to do their own shopping, cooking, and cleaning, and they even socialize with their "neighbors," often sharing meals and developing friendships with them. While learning these important life skills, ROP residents are also required to complete their education and hold down a job.

Homeless Kids Learn Financial Skills Through Our Transitional Housing Program

Without financial stability, living independently can be nearly impossible. Our goal is to break the cycle of homelessness once and for all, ensuring that our kids are never on the streets again. Therefore, ROP residents are required to turn over part of their salary to Covenant House. That money is placed into a savings account and returned at the end of a resident's stay. These savings are critically important to help young people get started in their own places.

For Homeless Youth Who Join ROP, It's a Tough but Incredible Journey

There are rules to be observed and expectations are high. But Covenant House counselors are there along the way in the role that parents normally play – making sure that our young people fulfill their responsibilities and offering assistance whenever needed. During their stay, residents have ongoing access to counseling services as well as educational and vocational programs.

When They Graduate from ROP, Our Kids Have a Sense of Accomplishment They've Never Known Before

They've received the education and training they need to be productive and self-sustaining citizens and have their own plan for permanent housing. They've learned how to take care of themselves and are ready to move on – without ever returning to the streets.