Leaving a Legacy that Matters: It’s in the Details 

Bill Martz is a retired chemical engineer with a reputation for being able to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems. He was so adept at his job over the course of 50 years that he attained the position of Engineering Fellow. It’s safe to say Bill Martz is drawn to and undaunted by complexity.  

In fact, after retirement, when he took up genealogy as a passion project, it blossomed into a very intricate journey through his family’s history. “I found relatives I never knew existed,” he says. And as he tracked them from their arrival in North America and across pioneer paths through Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, the Dakotas, and into California, he amassed more than 10,000 relatives’ names and many of their stories. And he’s not done yet. 

“As an engineer, my world is analysis and details,” Bill says.  

As a Covenant House supporter and Kevin and Clare Ryan Cornerstone member, he recognizes a kindred attention to detail and thoughtful, step-by-step problem-solving in Covenant House’s approach to youth homelessness, from our direct care for young people, to our plan for ending youth homelessness as we know it today, a vision we call The Journey Home. 

Bill first encountered Covenant House as a young man just starting out in New York City. On his daily commute, he noticed the young people experiencing homelessness on the streets. When he read an article about Covenant House, he quickly realized we were about more than providing young people a bed and a hot meal; we were, and are, all about helping them transform their lives. 

“Over the years, I’ve been a witness to youth homelessness in many cities and countries around the world,” Bill says. “Fleeing poverty and abuse has led many to drugs and trafficking victimization. Homelessness has grown, and the world continues to get more complicated. To me, Covenant House has been a consistent beacon in addressing these problems.” 

Working to End Youth Homelessness 

Just as Bill is endlessly fascinated by the family stories he has uncovered through patient, detailed study of his family tree, he also is deeply interested in creating a future where no young person has to experience homelessness. But he understands that this, too, is a work of diligence, detail, and commitment.  

About The Journey Home he says, “It just struck me, wow, the analysis that went into this to try to understand the roots of the problem and then how, beyond providing a safe place to sleep, you help these kids transform into happy and productive adults. The analysis and then the steps and solutions all made a lot of sense.” When Covenant House leaders and staff talked about the vision, he appreciated that they “were really committed to it.” 

And, he adds, “I also recognize that this is not something that is going to be solved in a few years or even 10 years. This is a generational undertaking. However, meaningful progress in saving and transforming many young lives will be made every year.” 

It is where Bill’s own vision for the future and how he can help shape it comes into play.  

Leaving a Legacy 

Like other Cornerstone members, Bill has included Covenant House in his estate plans. As in all his undertakings, it was something he thought deeply about. He decided to name Covenant House one of four organizations, all of them solidly working in the present with an achievable vision for the future, that would benefit from his legacy. 

“Covenant House checks so many boxes,” he says about his decision. “It is well established and a great cause. They have a plan, a good reputation, and committed people.” 

For those thinking about their own legacy, Bill advises them to “consider the future you want to help bring about, the future you want to be a part of in some way, through your gift.” Search for the organizations that reflect those priorities and values and then, “Be as generous as you can,” he says. 

In his own experience, Bill says, “Preserving part of one’s estate for good causes is important, and it’s very satisfying.” 

Legacy Gift Match Opportunity: When you include Covenant House in your will or estate plans now through Sept. 30, 2025, you’ll help us unlock $500,000 in matching funds as a cash gift today. And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your legacy will also ensure that Covenant House’s doors remain open for as long as young people need us. Learn more about our Legacy Match Campaign today. 

Interested in estate planning, but not sure where to begin? Contact our planned giving team, who will be happy to speak with you in confidence.