Three Months Later, the Overwhelming Feeling is Gratitude

The morning of July 26 was unlike any other in the history of Covenant House.

A construction crane caught fire over our shelter in New York City, and our staff had to call on their emergency training to ensure all our young people were safely evacuated.

Swiftly and effectively, all 119 young people and 20 staff at Covenant House that morning were evacuated, brought first to a local park nearby, and later to All Stars Project, a community partner whose staff kindly provided space and relief from the over 90-degree heat.

In the days that followed, our staff rallied around our young people, letting them know through words and actions they were not alone through yet another traumatic event in their lives. We worked with partners to find meals and emergency temporary housing while our young people did their part, attending classes, going to work, and pursuing their dreams under very challenging circumstances.

“Three months after the crane accident, I think the overwhelming feeling I have is one of gratitude,” said Dr. Shakeema North, chief executive officer of Covenant House New York. “Gratitude that none of our young people or staff was injured. Gratitude to our staff, who worked around the clock from the moment the accident occurred until we were able to move our young people back home into Covenant House. Gratitude to our community partners who helped us safely house our young people until we could return to our home at Covenant House.

“And I feel great gratitude to our donors, who once again stepped up when we needed funds for essential supplies like water, food, toiletries, and temporary shelter needs like cots, linens, pillows, and towels, medication and first aid supplies. It was challenging not being able to be together at Covenant House, but so good knowing that we had the support of so many caring people to help us through this crisis.”

 Just a few weeks later, our building was back to regular operations and we were able to open our doors to the alumni community for our first-ever Covenant House Alumni Community Day, a joyous and meaningful day that included former residents from five decades.