Turning Houses Into Homes

Whenever a young person comes to us for help, our goal is to help them move from instability to independent living. For many youth in our programs, that means supporting them in the search for housing. Moving our residents into affordable housing they’ve worked, saved, and fought for is one of the most joyous moments we experience at Covenant House. For young people who have lived through so much upheaval, the chance to settle into a space that’s truly theirs comes as a huge relief. 

Our partners at Bob’s Discount Furniture are experts in turning houses into homes, and they know how important that is for our youth. That’s why this fall, they continued to run their signature Cafe Collections for a Cause campaign at Bob’s Cafes across the country, offering guests the opportunity to donate to support youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House. 

They also matched every donation dollar-for-dollar to make sure even more young people can sleep safely in a Covenant House bed every night. Together, Bob’s and their guests raised $48,200, which will help keep our doors open for youth 24/7. The donation was presented at the grand opening of a new Bob’s store in Long Island City, NY, just a few miles from our shelter in Manhattan.  

“Partnering with Covenant House is deeply meaningful to all of us at Bob’s,” says Lindsay Ruszczyk, Director of Community Outreach. “Their work to provide safety, stability, and hope for young people facing homelessness aligns with our belief that every individual deserves dignity and a place to call home.  

“Through our Café Collections for a Cause program, we are proud to make a substantial donation to Covenant House during our Long Island City Grand Opening, and even more honored to do so during Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. This initiative allows our customers to join us in supporting organizations that make a real difference, and Covenant House is a powerful example of that impact.” 

And this isn’t the first time Bob’s has shown up for Covenant House youth. Just last year, they donated 19 beds to furnish our new transitional housing program in Chicago. Volunteers from Bob’s came to set up the beds and welcome youth to their new living space. Bob’s has partnered with Covenant House since 2023 and has exceeded $100,000 in contributions. Together, Covenant House and Bob’s are creating spaces where young people can truly feel at home.