In the last three years, Covenant House California (CHC) has created the only year-round, immediate crisis shelter in the East Bay Area for youth ages 18 to 23. These 25 beds are housed in the parish hall of a West Oakland church. More than 150 youth have used the shelter as a stepping stone to self-sufficiency, but the shelter has been lacking in several areas. There is little privacy available. It is also forced to close during the day. In addition, the area is surrounded by crime, prostitution, blight, and violence. But, that is all about to change.

In 2006, CHC purchased the former home of Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, situated in the city’s vibrant waterfront district, Jack London Square. We are proud to announce that on November 8, 2007, CHC-Bay Area will be opening the doors of this new space for its residential program, allowing us to expand our residential services to an 18-bed Crisis Shelter, as well as a 12-bed Rights of Passage Program!

This new facility will allow us to provide the full range of services that our youth so desperately need to achieve lasting independence. For the first time, CHC will be able to provide Bay Area youth with 24 hour care, 365 days a year in this ample 17,000 square foot shelter that includes 15 bedrooms, a large commercial kitchen, a library, an indoor recreation space, and other communal areas. Most importantly, our youth will be able to benefit from all of this in a positive new neighborhood that provides safety and opportunity.

Covenant House California invites you to take part in this momentous occassion by attending our grand opening!