We Help Youth Facing Homelessness in Chicago

Youth Drop-In Center and Housing  

Unhoused youth in Chicago can access short-term emergency care through our daytime drop-in center and on-site housing programs. 

• Youth Development Center: Our drop-in center provides temporary shelter, safety, and access to essential resources and services including meals, showers, clothing, hygiene supplies and medical care. 
• Residential Housing Program: 37-bed capacity interim housing program, where we offer youth a safe, patient, and loving place to stay and get help. 
• Rights of Passage Program: 18 bed transitional housing program for youth to stay for up to 24 months while receiving a full spectrum of wrapround support services. 

Safety and Well-Being at our Shelters 

Covenant House Illinois is a safe space. Our doors are open to all youth, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Our team members treat our young people with absolute respect and unconditional love.  

Our Programs and Services  

Our programs and services are designed to meet the immediate and long-term needs of young people facing homelessness. Through on-site support and collaborative agreements with leading agencies, we provide our young people with access to an array of services to support them on their way to achieving independence. 

• Short-Term Care: We offer young people a safe place to rest, access to meals, showers and laundry, lockers, and other support services to help meet basic and urgent needs. 
• Outreach Services & Referrals: Our outreach teams educate schools, community centers, and organizations throughout Chicago about our youth services. We also provide young people with referrals to other local service providers. 
• Education & Job Services: Through on-site direct support and referrals, we provide educational support and job training services to help young people prepare for and find jobs. 
• Case Management: All youth work with a clinical case manager to help build customized care plans to help them achieve their goals. 
• Other support services: access to medical and mental health services, substance use treatment, life skills workshops, legal services, transportation assistance, and family reunification. 

Our Services and Programs Are Always Free  

There are no fees or costs to access our services or stay at Covenant House Illinois. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to get the support they need.  

Learn more about the programs for youth at CHIL.