Our Mission
Since 1982, Covenant House Toronto has been a beacon of hope for homeless and at-risk youth. As Canada’s largest agency serving young people facing homelessness and human trafficking, we provide shelter, education, employment, and healthcare services grounded in compassion, dignity, and respect.
The Follow-Up Supports Program continues this mission by helping youth transition from homelessness into safe, stable, and independent living. We walk alongside youth after they leave the shelter system to ensure long-term success, inclusion, and community belonging.
Who We Support
- Youth aged 16–24 who have exited homelessness
- Unaccompanied by a parent or parenting a dependent over 16
- Experienced 3+ months of homelessness in the past year (or 18+ months in 3 years)
- Secured housing through RGI, COHB, private market, or VYSA programs
- Prioritizing equity, safety, and long-term housing stability
Our Approach
Our supports are person-centered and client-driven. We use trauma-informed and strengths-based practices that meet each youth where they are—focusing on their goals, capacity, and safety.
- Active listening and motivational interviewing to build independence
- Housing stabilization and consistency planning
- Life skills development—cooking, budgeting, grocery shopping, cleaning, time management
- Connection to education, employment, and legal supports
- Support with OW, ODSP, OSAP, and scholarship applications
- Advocacy with landlords and tenant coordinators
Beyond Basic Supports
We go beyond traditional case management by offering unique, complementary supports that recognize the full humanity of every youth we serve:
- Animal Angel Care: creating keepsakes for youth with pets
- Crisis relocation: assisting young parents and families during pest treatment or unsafe situations
- Legal & institutional advocacy: attending hearings, visiting incarcerated youth, and connecting them to reentry supports
- Hospital advocacy: bridging communication between youth and health care providers
- Gang-involvement support: using a safety-first, non-judgmental approach
- Community connection: encouraging youth to engage in recreation, art, and wellness activities such as yoga, swimming, and pottery
Program Impact
- Youth completing high school, college, and university programs
- Successful job retention and career advancement
- Improved access to mental health supports—therapy, psychiatry, and counselling
- Rebuilding family connections and social relationships
- Growth in self-confidence, resilience, and community engagement
- Long-term housing stability and independence
Our Philosophy
Every young person has the right to safety, dignity, and opportunity. Our team believes that healing and growth happen through relationships built on trust and consistency. We see each youth as the expert in their own story, and our role is to support them in writing their next chapter.