Who We Are

Covenant House PA’s History

Founded in 1999, Covenant House Pennsylvania (CHPA) is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year--ready at a moment's notice to offer safety and wellness to Philadelphia's most vulnerable youth. CHPA's doors are open to all young people who need help, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

The moment youth walk into any of CHPA's three facilities in PA, our team moves into action to mitigate the crisis--giving them the food, shelter, and health care they need to feel safe. Once our youth have settled into CHPA and their situations have stabilized, our comprehensive and entirely free support helps them realize their fullest potential.

We have seen time and again -- over 20 years of sheltering and caring for young people -- the healing power of a stable, loving environment to inspire a fresh start in their lives. CHPA empowers young people to finish high school, start college, gain employment, live independently, and ultimately step out into the world knowing they are prepared to be successful.

CHPA is the largest provider for youth experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia and the only provider exclusively supporting youth age 21 and under. Philadelphia remains America's poorest big city with a poverty rate hovering around 30%. CHPA is forecasting that the COVID pandemic will propel already vulnerable youth into insecurity and crisis. 

Covenant House Founding Mission Statement

We who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to His people are dedicated to living out His covenant among ourselves and those children we serve, with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street, and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among His people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that effects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.