Covenant House Texas is laying the groundwork for its new location, which is expected to open in 2024.

Covenant House Texas, a local nonprofit that helps homeless youth, broke ground for a new facility in Montrose on Thursday. The organization recently demolished its old building due to aging and limited space, but the new building will have more young people in need, which was a problem at its previous location.

This faith-based non-profit organization has been helping homeless youth aged 18 to 24 provide shelter and support services for 40 years. Covenant House was founded in New York in 1972 and has 31 offices in North and Central America. The Houston Center, opened in 1983, provided youth with shelter, food, clothing, and more.

“We are embarking on our next chapter and mission to help homeless youth in our community,” said Leslie Bourne, Executive Director of Covenant House Texas. “Today, 40 years later, we are celebrating the construction of our new campus – a special day that we have been waiting for a very long time.”

The new 104,000-square-foot, four-story building will feature more youth, support services, mental health clinics and facilities, a computer lab, music studio, fitness center, chapel, outdoor green spaces, and other essentials to help youth transition into adulthood. life.

The nonprofit serves over 1,000 at-risk homeless and young people each year, representing over 22,000 accommodation nights per year. Bourne said that even though these numbers are significant, there is still an increased need among young people.

“We have a waiting list: more than 40-45 homeless children are waiting every night to get into our shelter,” she said. “And that’s not counting the 15-20 we put on crash mats.”

She said the new facility would allow them to provide more assistance.

“When I’m done, I’m confident this new building will reflect the sanctuary, absolute respect, and unconditional love that Covenant House Texas extends to every young person who walks through our doors,” Bourne said. “We want every young person to leave us transformed, confidently entering a full-fledged independent life.”

The cost of the new campus is approximately $51 million through public-private partnerships with various partners, including contributions from both the city and the county. The city has committed $6.7 million in community development grants and COVID-19 funds, and the county has contributed $4.1 million.

Officials said Houston reduced homelessness in the city by 30% and youth homelessness by 60%. Turner said the new Covenant House facility is another step towards the city’s goal of reducing homelessness.

“I hope that in the City of Houston, we are sending the message that no child, no matter their status, should live on the streets of the City of Houston,” he said. “They deserve a home and they deserve a home with lots of love.”

The non-profit has moved its youth into temporary apartments run by the organization in the Third District and is asking for donations after the robbery and vandalism last week. Furniture, TVs, thermostats, air conditioners and household appliances were removed from the apartments. The blocks are badly damaged and the youth cannot live in them.

The new location is expected to be ready next year.