Rights of Passage: Transitional Housing for Homeless Kids

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

Our Rights of Passage transitional living program gives motivated homeless kids the chance to really learn what it's like to live on their own - and how to do it successfully.

Created in 1986, Rights of Passage (ROP) is an innovative transitional living program that addresses the long-term needs of at-risk kids who first come to us in crisis. Once accepted into the program, residents live in apartments at Covenant House for up to 18 months. For many, this is the first "real" home they have ever known.

Our kids do their own shopping, cooking and cleaning, and socialize with their Rights of Passage neighbors, often sharing meals together and developing friendships. While learning these important life-skills, ROP residents are also required to complete their education and hold down a job.

ROP residents are required to complete their education and hold down a job.

Without financial stability, living independently can be nearly impossible. Our goal is to break the cycle of homelessness once and for all, and to ensure that our kids are never on the streets again. Therefore, ROP residents are required to turn over part of their salary to Covenant House, which is placed into a savings account and returned at the end of their stay. The kids use the savings to get started in their own place.

For homeless youth who join ROP, it's a tough but incredible journey. There are rules to be observed and expectations are high. Our counselors are there along the way in the role that parents of young adults normally play - making sure the kids fulfill their responsibilities and offering assistance wherever needed. During their stay, residents have ongoing access to counseling services and educational and vocational programs.

When they graduate, the 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.

Sakina was able to graduate from college and secure an apartment with the assistance of one of our transitional housing programs. Watch her story.