Founded in 1982, Covenant House Toronto (COVT) offers 24-7 support to youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk. Covenant House Toronto reports that it has one of the highest staff to youth ratios among agencies serving this population in Toronto. As many as 40% of homeless youth were first homeless before the age of 16. Many of these young people have experienced trauma or face mental health issues. Left on the streets, kids can become involved in drugs, sex trafficking, or gangs. 

In F2018, COVT allocated 47% of program spending to the crisis shelter. A total of 743 youth used the shelter, a 20% decrease since F2017. COVT notes that this is due to a record high daily number of youths staying in the shelter for longer periods of time, which is attributable to the lack of stable, affordable housing and sustainable employment opportunities for them. The on-site health centre provided 4,843 healthcare visits in F2018. There are emergency beds reserved for young women who were victims of sex trafficking or exploitation. 

Long-Term Transitional Housing received 17% of program funding in F2018. This program prepares youths for living independently by offering workshops on budgeting, laundry, and grocery shopping. Job training and career counselling services are also available. If they stick to a personal plan including work or school, the youths can live in an apartment while paying a third of the market-rate rent. Covenant House Toronto has recently opened Avdell Home, its second supported housing program for victims of sex trafficking. 

Covenant House Toronto allocated 21% of program funding to Community Support Services and Outreach. Support Services help homeless or low-income youths who live outside of the crisis shelter. Kids can access a COVT foodbank, get clean clothes, or access counselling. In F2018, 140 youths received support for mental health and addiction issues, 90 victims of sexual exploitation had specialized support, and 42 youths were matched with mentors. 

In F2018, 7% 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. 

Covenant House Toronto is a Major 100 charity, receiving $24.4m in donations in F2017. Administrative costs are 5% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 28% of donations. For every $1 donated, 67 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. COVT has $18.8m in funding reserves, which can cover program costs for just over one year. 

Covenant House Toronto reports that unlike many other social services agencies, it is primarily donor funded, with nearly 80% of the agency's yearly budget coming from donors.

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 29, 2019 by Caroline McKenna.