Founded in 1982, Covenant House Toronto (COVT) offers 24-7 support to youth who are homeless, trafficked, or at risk. As many as 40,000 young people in Canada experience homelessness every year. COVT reports that it has one of the highest staff to youth ratios among agencies serving this population in Toronto. Many of these young people have experienced trauma or face mental health issues. Homelessness can happen to anyone – 61% of youth at Covenant House are from average to upper-income households where they did not feel safe. Left on the streets, kids can become involved in drugs, sex trafficking, or gangs, often just hoping to fulfill their basic needs. 

In F2019, the crisis shelter received 44% of program spending. A total of 712 youth used the shelter with the help of 150 youth workers. The on-site health centre provided 4,647 healthcare visits in F2019. There are two emergency beds reserved for young women who are victims of sex trafficking or exploitation.

In F2019, Community Support Services and Outreach (CSS) received 22% of program funding. CSS helps homeless or low-income youth who live outside of the crisis shelter or transitional housing. In F2019, the CSS drop-in centre supported 1,793 youth. Kids can eat meals, access a COVT foodbank, get clean clothes, receive healthcare, or access counselling. In F2019, COVT expanded mental health and addiction supports by hiring an occupational therapist and creating community partnerships. In F2019, 465 youth received support for mental health and addiction issues, which is an increase from 140 youth in F2018. COVT gave specialized support to 113 victims of sexual exploitation.

In F2019, Long-Term Transitional Housing received 21% of program funding. This program prepares youth 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 regarding work or school, the youth can live in an apartment while paying low rent. Youth in the 'Rights of Passage' program live on a shared floor at the main Covenant House site. Avdell home and Rogers Home each provide housing to up to six victims of sex trafficking. In F2019, COVT opened two new homes for youth facing discrimination related to race or sexual orientation.

In F2019, 7% of program spending was spent on educating the public about youth homelessness and sex trafficking, 4% covered healthcare costs for youth, and 3% was spent on program evaluation and research. 

Covenant House Toronto is a Major 100 charity, receiving $25.8m in donations in F2019. Administrative costs are 5% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 26% of donations. This means overhead costs are 31%. For every $1 donated, 69 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci's reasonable range for overhead spending.

COVT has $22.1m 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 05, 2020 by Eric Jose.