Covenant House Greater Washington Expands Housing Services for Young People into Prince George’s County, Maryland

Covenant House Greater Washington (CHGW) expanded our services in December for youth experiencing homelessness into Prince George’s County, Maryland. The expanded services include a 12-bed transitional housing program and a 6-bed short-term crisis center (similar to the existing Safe Haven program) for youth under 25.

These innovative programs are the result of significant collaboration with the Prince George’s Continuum of Care, the County’s Youth Action Board, and the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services and are part of the County’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program portfolio.

The transitional housing program will provide housing for young adult parents and their children, consisting of various site apartments for rapid rehousing in a combination of studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments at fair market rent rates.

The short-term housing facility, HOPE House, is a 6-bed facility serving youth ages 18 to 24 experiencing acute mental health, behavioral health, or substance use issues. The program will offer intervention and support to provide resources for a stable future. The HOPE House approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, and family centered from referral to discharge. The program will partner with Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas’ Behavioral Health Services to provide mental health, substance use and rehabilitative services for an up to 90-day stay. The program also offers case management, psycho-educational support groups, assistance obtaining vital records, education and career development, job counseling services, medical and mental health services, civil legal support and referrals as appropriate.

For over 26 years, CHGW has served as the region’s leading nonprofit throughout the area in protecting, supporting, and transforming the lives of youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness, disconnection, and exploitation. CHGW has provided a safe harbor and wraparound supportive services to one of the area’s most vulnerable populations. The programs and services offered to young people help them to get back on track in achieving housing, career, and economic stability.