Did you know that 1.3 million people under 21 live on the streets or in shelters? That’s why services for homeless teens are so needed, and why Do1Thing wants to bring attention to these children in need.
Here at Covenant House in Houston, donations continue to come in. More toiletries and clothes have arrived, along with a big pile of sofa pillows. The San Jacinto Girl Scout troop 3599, clad in badge-covered vests, are working hard, waving in vans, cars and trucks to the unloading zone. Everyone gets a red heart lollipop as a thank-you.
The first tour just finished, and as she was leaving one of the ladies, commented, “I’m so glad to know this is here.”
Services provided by Covenant House to youth under 21 include:
- Shelter designed to teach independent living
- Medical care, such as physical exams, HIV/AIDS testing and referrals to specialists
- Counseling, bible studies and other support
- Life skills training, such as budgeting and interviewing skills
- GED classes, tutoring and vocational training
- Six months of after-care for youth who transition to independent living
A resident sits on the porch as volunteers wait for donations. (Photo by Smiley N. Pool)
