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Covenant House New York

Youth Homeless Shelter in New York, NY

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Crisis Care Information

460 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036-6801 Phone: 212-613-0300

About Covenant House's Homeless Shelter in New York

Covenant House’s homeless shelter in New York began more than 40 years ago when six young runaways were given shelter from a snowstorm, in the lower east side of Manhattan. Our young people come from all five New Your City boroughs (as well as other regions across the country), both male and female, and they reflect many races and ethnic/religious heritages. Many of our young people self-identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, or Questioning (LGBTQ) and many are young moms, with precious babies who have nowhere else to turn. We serve our LGBTQ youth and our moms as we do everyone: without judgment or bias; with love and celebration of who they are.

Our New York homeless shelter works with young people as soon as they arrive at our front door, regardless of the reasons that brought them to us. Whether they are running away from home, were thrown out by a family member, or are coming in from the subways or the streets, homeless kids have a place at our New York homeless shelter - no questions asked. Covenant House New York serves over 400 homeless youth daily.

Year Founded: 1972

Number of Beds: 360

Youth Served Every Year: 2015

Executive Director: Sister Nancy Downing

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New York Homeless Shelter Programs and Services

To prevent and break the cycle of chronic adult homelessness and bridge the gap of support in the lives of our youth, our homeless shelter in New York has a comprehensive Continuum of Care characterized by the coordination and integration of a range of services including: crisis care and shelter; transitional living; health care; employment and job readiness training; educational support and GED preparation; legal services; street outreach; aftercare and drop-in; and more.

At our New York homeless shelter, family reunification is our first approach if possible. For those youth with no place to go, our program is designed to lead them to independence. Residents generally stay up to 30 days. Referrals are then made to long-term transitional living programs, such as Covenant House's Rights of Passage program.

The Mother Child program provides services to homeless pregnant women and mothers with children. The program focuses on obtaining long-term housing, health services, counseling, employment, training, and parenting skills. The program provides a full day nursery for infants and toddlers while their parents attend school, vocational training, or are at work.

The Health Services Department is a comprehensive primary care clinic serving homeless, runaway and at-risk young people up to 21 years of age. We also provide medical services for adolescent mothers and their babies, at our New York homeless shelter.

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Emergency Resources

  • National Runaway Safeline

    If you or a friend know someone who is a runaway, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, call the National Runaway Safeline or visit their website.

    Go to NRS now

  • 911 and Police

    If emergency assistance is needed now or if you have been the victim of a crime, please call 9-1-1 or get in contact with your local police department below.

    Get Emergency Assistance

  • Suicide Lifeline

    Struggling with feelings of depression or suicide? Know someone who is? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7. Visit their site now.

    Visit the Lifeline

  • House of Worship

    Many local churches, synagogues and other religious centers offer food, clothing and other services. Find the nearest house of worship below.

    Find a House of Worship

  • Victims of Trafficking

    No one should have to choose between going hungry or selling themselves. If there's anyone in your life who may be a victim of trafficking, find help below.

    Human Trafficking Hotline