Covenant House Toronto

About Covenant House Toronto:

Founded in 1982, Covenant House Toronto (COVT) works to protect at-risk, homeless and trafficked youth. At any point, up to 18% of the homeless population in Canada are youth and 40% of those youth were first homeless before the age of 16. Many homeless youth are escaping trauma or face mental health issues. Left on the streets, kids can become involved in drugs, sex trafficking, or gangs.

In F2017, COVT allocated 52% of program spending to the crisis shelter. There are 96 beds available to youth between 16 and 24. A total of 923 youth used the shelter and 702 access on-site health care in F2017. There are emergency beds reserved for young women who have experienced sex trafficking or exploitation.

Long-Term Transitional Housing received 17% of program funding in F2017. This program prepares kids for living independently by offering workshops on budgeting, laundry, and grocery shopping. Job training and career counselling services are also available. If youth stick to a personal plan including work or school, they are allowed to live in an apartment while paying a third of the market-rate rent. Covenant House Toronto has recently opened Rogers Home, a space reserved for the long-term housing of 7 female victims of trafficking.

Covenant House Toronto allocated 17% of program funding to Community Support Services and Outreach. Support Services help youth who are homeless or low-income but live outside of the crisis shelter. Kids can access a COVT foodbank, get clean clothes, or access counselling. In F2017, 1,640 youth received support for mental health and addiction issues, 264 victims of sexual exploitation had specialized counselling, and 51 youth were matched with mentors.

In F2017, 6% of program spending was allocated to educating the public about youth homelessness and sex trafficking, 5% covered healthcare costs for youth, and 3% was allocated to program evaluation and research.

Results and Impact: Given the high cost per client, impact per dollar was rates as Low by Ci (see impact grid in lower right). 

Within the Long-Term Transitional Housing program, Covenant House Toronto operates a culinary arts training program. Of program participants, 70% found a job or are going back to school. COVT evaluates its programs and used this information in creating a 2018-2022 strategic plan. However no comprehensive program evaluation was found on the charity's website.

Financial Review:

Covenant House Toronto is a Major 100 charity, with donations of $22.3m in F2017. Its administrative costs are 6% of revenues and fundraising costs are 29% of donations. For every $1 donated, 65 cents go to the cause, falling just within Ci’s reasonable range. COVT has $17.3m in funding reserves, an amount which could cover program costs for just over a year.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Covenant House Toronto for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 7, 2018 by Madison Kerr.