We Help Youth Facing Homelessness in Washington, D.C.

Our Washington, DC youth homeless shelter and residences serve young people ages 18-24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or human trafficking. We provide shelter, support and resources while empowering young people in their journey to independence and stability. Our mission is to help all youth who come to our doors, without exception. Our services are available at no cost.  

Location

Community Service Center 
2001 Mississippi Ave, SE 
Washington, DC 20020 

Hours of operation: 
9am to 5pm 

Contact: 
202-610-9600 

Who We Help

Ages Served: 
Young people ages 18-24  

LGBTQ+ Youth? 
We are a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Pregnant Teens and Young Families? 
We provide resources for pregnant youth and their babies.  

Services

Services: 
Emergency shelter & housing, job training, outreach programs, food pantry 

Walk-In? 
Yes 

Get Help Now

How to Get Emergency Assistance at Covenant House Greater Washington (CHGW)  

If you are a young person in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia in need of crisis care, intervention, food, and other services, call our main line at 202-610-9600.  

Emergency Shelter Location 
511 Mellon Street SE 
Washington, D.C. 20023 

We're open 8:00pm-8:00am.  

Our Community Service Center is at 2001 Mississippi Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20020 and is open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm. 

Covenant House Washington D.C. site | homeless shelters in dc

Programs and Resources 

We Offer Comprehensive Support for Homeless Youth 

CHGW provides safe harbor and wraparound supportive services to young people ages 18-24 who are facing homelessness, disconnection, and exploitation in the Greater Washington D.C. area. Our programs offer youth the help they need to get back on track to achieve housing, career, and economic stability, including: 

  • Safe and secure shelter - including drop-in, emergency, short-term and transitional housing programs. 
  • Access to case managers who help create individual service plans. 
  • Access to our food pantry and Dove Store - where youth can find clothing, hygiene products and more at no cost. 
  • Life skills workshops and counseling services. 
  • Educational assistance and access to GED programs. 
  • Workforce development and job training through our Career Pathways program. 
  • Access to healthcare including mental health and medical services. 
  • Outreach programs that extend beyond the street, providing communities and organizations with education and resources to help them recognize the signs of homelessness and youth trafficking. 

Our Services and Programs Are Always Free 

There are no fees or costs associated with staying at Covenant House Greater Washington or accessing our services. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to get the support they need regardless of their financial situation.  

Learn more about support services at CHGW 

Youth Shelter and Housing Programs 

CHGW has 4 shelter and housing programs, including: 

  • Emergency overnight shelter: At Sanctuary, youth can get a meal, a hot shower, a safe place to sleep, and the chance to wash and dry their clothes. 
  • 90-day residential program: Our Safe Haven program helps young people leave the streets and get their lives back on track. 
  • LGBTQ+ youth housing: Our SHINE program is a 90-day residential program for LGBTQ+ youth to provide a safe space for them to thrive on their journey to self-sufficiency. 
  • Transitional housing: Rights of Passage, helps youth hone the skills they need for independent living. 

While there are no strict time limits on your stay, we encourage all residents to work towards their goals of independence and stability.  

Safety and Well-being 

It is our top priority that all youth feel welcome and safe at our facilities regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Our shelters are equipped with security measures to ensure youth safety and staffed with caring professionals who treat our young people with absolute respect and unconditional love. 

Join Other Supporters in Your Community 

When you get involved with CHGW, you help make a difference in the lives of the young people we serve.  

  • Volunteer opportunities 
  • Donation options  
  • Fundraising events and campaigns  

Get Involved Today 

Covenant House former homeless youth drawing

Shelter Is Only the Beginning

From crisis to care: Find out what it's like when a young person enters our doors.