Our History

Covenant House California began as a street outreach program in 1988, primarily driven by a handful of volunteers who were united in their efforts to assist the many youth found living on the streets of Hollywood. The outreach team provided food, crisis intervention, warm concern, and access to a network of community resources, aimed at getting street youth to move toward stable housing situations.

In 1996, Covenant House California celebrated the opening of its new residential center, made possible through government funding, the generosity of individual contributors, and foundations. The 36,000 sq. ft. Center features a 48-bed crisis shelter, 24-bed transitional living center, health clinic, chapel, individual and group meeting spaces, cafeteria, and recreational space, and was custom built to provide a safe and supportive environment, in which youth can gain the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being to successfully transition to independent living. In 1998, CHC renovated a 3,600 space directly across from its residential facilities for an expanded Employment Skills Program and installed a dedicated Computer Learning Center.

To address the needs of underserved youth in Oakland, in 1998, Covenant House California expanded beyond its Los Angeles base, by establishing the Oakland Outreach and Community Service Center.

Today, Covenant House California continues to reach out to thousands of youth on an annual basis; extending a vital link and real opportunities for youth to better their lives and to prevent homelessness in adulthood. Our residential programs operate at full capacity throughout the year, and our comprehensive services assist youth in developing the self-sufficiency required for independent living.