Covenant House Atlanta: What It Is and How It Serves Youth Experiencing Homelessness

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or spend time in the city, you may have heard about Covenant House Atlanta. It’s one of the best-known local organizations focused on helping youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

This guide explains what Covenant House Atlanta is, who it serves, what services it typically offers, how to get help, and how Atlanta residents can support their work.

What Is Covenant House Atlanta?

Covenant House Georgia (often called Covenant House Atlanta) is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, safety, and support services for young people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or escaping unsafe situations.

Its core focus is on youth and young adults, generally in the 16–24 age range, including:

• Young people sleeping on the streets, in cars, or in unsafe places
• Youth who have run away or been kicked out of their homes
• Teens and young adults aging out of foster care
• Youth fleeing abuse, exploitation, or trafficking

The Atlanta location operates as a 24/7 crisis response and housing program, designed to get young people off the streets and connected with long-term support.

Where Is Covenant House Atlanta Located?

Covenant House Georgia’s main campus is in Atlanta’s Westside, within reach of downtown and major transit routes.

Covenant House Georgia – Main Campus
(Note: Always confirm current address and hours before visiting, as locations or access procedures can change.)

• Area: Westside / near Bankhead and English Avenue neighborhoods
• Access: Typically by intake appointment or crisis line; walk-ups may be accepted in emergencies, but calling first is recommended

Because this is a youth shelter, security is usually tight. Visitors, donors, and volunteers are often asked to schedule appointments rather than just dropping in.

Who Covenant House Atlanta Serves

Covenant House focuses on youth and young adults, not the general adult homeless population. In Atlanta, that usually means:

• Ages: Roughly 16–24 (sometimes slightly older depending on the program)
• Gender: All genders, including LGBTQ+ youth
• Situations:
  • Couch-surfing or doubled up with friends
  • Sleeping in cars, on MARTA, in parks, or abandoned buildings
  • Experiencing family rejection, conflict, or abuse
  • Leaving foster care or juvenile justice systems
  • At risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation or trafficking

If you or someone you know is over this age range, you may need other Atlanta shelters or housing services, such as Atlanta Mission, Gateway Center, or county-coordinated emergency shelter programs.

Key Services Offered by Covenant House Atlanta

Programs can evolve, but Covenant House Atlanta generally offers a continuum of care, from immediate crisis shelter to longer-term housing and support.

1. Emergency & Crisis Shelter

For youth with nowhere safe to stay, Covenant House offers:

• Immediate shelter with beds, bathrooms, and basic necessities
• 24/7 safe entry, often through a crisis phone line or intake process
• Food, clothing, toiletries, and access to showers
• A secure, structured environment with staff on site

This is often the first point of contact for a young person who has just become homeless or is fleeing an unsafe situation.

2. Transitional & Longer-Term Housing

Beyond short-term crisis shelter, Covenant House Atlanta typically provides:

• Transitional housing programs where youth can stay longer (often several months)
• Support in building life skills, such as budgeting, cooking, and time management
• A stable base to work on education and employment

Some youth may move from emergency shelter into these longer-term programs once they have a more stable plan.

3. Education and Job Support

To help youth become independent in Atlanta’s job market, Covenant House frequently offers:

• Help finishing high school or GED
• Connections to technical training, community college, or other education pathways
• Resume help, interview preparation, and job search support
• Partnerships with local Atlanta employers and training programs where possible

The goal is to help young people secure sustainable employment so they can maintain housing on their own.

4. Case Management and Support Services

Each young person is usually matched with a case manager or counselor to build a personalized plan, which may include:

• Goal setting: housing, education, employment
• Navigating IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates, or other documentation
• Referrals to physical and mental health providers
• Support with benefits, legal issues, or child-related needs if applicable

These services help youth navigate Atlanta’s often complex systems and resources.

5. Health, Wellness, and Safety

While Covenant House itself is not a hospital or clinic, it generally supports access to:

• Basic health screenings and referrals
• Mental health counseling or connections to local providers
• Education about healthy relationships, boundaries, and safety
• Trauma-informed care, especially for survivors of abuse or trafficking

Atlanta youth who enter Covenant House often have significant physical and emotional stress; staff are typically trained to respond in a supportive, nonjudgmental way.

6. Programs for Youth at Risk of Exploitation or Trafficking

Covenant House Atlanta places particular emphasis on protecting youth from sexual exploitation and trafficking, which are real risks in major cities like Atlanta.

Support may include:

• Emergency shelter away from traffickers or abusers
• Safety planning and secure placement
• Specialized case management and legal referrals
• Collaboration with law enforcement and victim services agencies

How to Get Help from Covenant House in Atlanta

If you or someone you know is a young person in crisis in Atlanta, there are several ways to seek help from Covenant House.

1. Call First (Recommended)

Most youth-focused shelters operate a crisis or intake line. Covenant House Georgia typically encourages calling:

• To confirm bed availability
• To understand eligibility (age, situation, etc.)
• To get directions and intake instructions
• To connect with a counselor who can explain options

If you don’t have the direct number handy, you can:

• Call 211 in metro Atlanta to ask for “Covenant House Georgia” or youth emergency shelter services
• Ask a school counselor, DFCS worker, probation officer, or hospital social worker to help you connect

2. Walk-In or In-Person Intake

In some cases, Covenant House may accept walk-ins, especially in an emergency. However:

• Security may limit who can enter without an appointment
• Youth may be asked to wait in a lobby area until staff can complete intake
• Beds are not always guaranteed; staff may help with alternative arrangements if full

Whenever possible, calling first can save time and ensure a smoother process.

3. Help for Youth Under 18

For minors, intake can be more complex due to guardian and legal requirements. Depending on the situation:

• Staff may need to contact a parent/guardian or DFCS (Division of Family & Children Services)
• Youth may be redirected to child-specific shelters or foster care placements
• Law enforcement or juvenile courts may be involved if there are open cases

In emergencies, youth under 18 should prioritize safety first and connect with a trusted adult, school staff, or call 911 if in immediate danger.

Quick Overview: What Covenant House Atlanta Typically Provides

Program details can change, so it’s always best to speak directly with staff for the most current information.

When Covenant House Might Not Be the Right Fit

Covenant House Atlanta serves a specific age and need group. It may not be the right fit if:

• You are outside the youth/young adult age range
• You are looking for family shelter with younger children and adults together
• You need medical detox, long-term treatment, or a specialized medical facility

In these cases, staff can often refer you to other Atlanta resources, such as:

• Gateway Center (adult shelter and services)
• Atlanta Mission (men’s and women’s shelters)
• City of Atlanta or county homeless services coordinated entry lines
• Domestic violence shelters if fleeing intimate partner violence

How Atlanta Residents Can Support Covenant House

Many people in Atlanta look for ways to support youth experiencing homelessness. Common ways to help include:

1. Volunteering

Covenant House Atlanta often involves volunteers in:

• Serving meals or assisting in the kitchen
• Tutoring, mentoring, or helping with life skills workshops
• Supporting special events or campus improvements

Most volunteer positions require:

• An application and screening process
• Possible background checks
• Orientation or training sessions

2. Donating Goods

Youth shelters typically need:

• New socks and underwear
• Hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo)
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Backpacks, notebooks, pens, and basic school supplies

Because storage space is limited, it’s best to contact the organization first to see what is most needed.

3. Financial Contributions

Monetary donations help sustain:

• Shelter operations (staffing, utilities, security)
• Education and job programs
• Emergency needs that arise for specific youth

Again, contact Covenant House Georgia directly or check their official materials for current giving options.

Other Atlanta Resources for Youth Facing Homelessness

While Covenant House is a major resource, it’s part of a broader network in metro Atlanta. If Covenant House is full, not accessible, or not the right fit, other potential contacts include:

• United Way 211 (Atlanta):
  • Call 2-1-1 to ask about youth shelter, drop-in centers, and outreach programs
• Atlanta Public Schools / Local School District Liaisons:
  • Homeless liaisons help students experiencing homelessness stay in school and connect with services
• DFCS (Division of Family & Children Services):
  • For minors in unsafe homes or without guardians
• Local Drop-In Centers for Youth:
  • Some Atlanta nonprofits offer daytime services, showers, laundry, and support without overnight beds

These organizations often coordinate closely, so starting with any one of them can lead you to others, including Covenant House if appropriate.

If you live in Atlanta and know a young person struggling with homelessness, housing instability, or unsafe conditions, Covenant House Atlanta is one of the primary youth-focused options in the city. Calling ahead, understanding the age focus, and knowing alternative local resources can help you or someone you care about find a safer, more stable path forward.