Covenant house is a terrible shelter if you are coming off of drugs or in recovery, the hours u must be in house are absurd... u must talk to a staff member 2ce a day, and they force u to get a job, even uf at the moment in your life your not stable enough to get one. Looking for a place to live... nope covenant house will not allow it. The good thimng to be honest are the friends youll make there
Louise Smith is part of the problem ! Not the solution
I work at another agency in the city and took a tour of this place with a couple of co-workers, we were all immensely impressed with everything about covenant house, i.e. its wide range of services, experienced staff and huge state of the art facility.
I used to stayed in that place but didn't like the place cause the staffs doesn't really come and check on us to make sure things are okay and the food is not the best and sleeping there isn't really comfortable but at least I remembered having a private bedroom not sharing.. Lots of young people comes and goes.. Yes I made few friends but sometimes I did felt scared every nights and days cause never know what kids are capable to do like fight or something worse can happen obviously I do remember how much violence going outside the covenant house too scarey.. The services are okay but for myself I moved out when I was young and moved to west coast from Toronto and now I'm happy where I'm living.
Hello I am eunice Whitehead and I really luked it there the staff are good there and thery are always there for you and they are good to talk to about anything I miss it there
I am very upset to be reading the other reviews posted. I don't know where'd I'd be if the staff at covenant house hadn't helped me find my way. It is a youth shelter meaning that it's only for 16 to 21 year olds. Its not a recovery center. So if u need drug detox or rehabilitation, this is not for you. Yes the rules are strict but with the place always being full and many youth being turned away on a daily basis, it needs to be. Thus to weed out the people that really want the help. So don't take it for granted. As for complaining about lines at the shelters health center, we are in Canada, health care is free people. They never rushed me out the door but they did make it clear that finding stable housing was to be my priority. So if u think that your going to lounge around all day your wrong. They helped me with so much, they fed me three Square meals a day. Did my laundry. Even cleaned my room. Without the staff at covenant house I'd probably be dead. I owe that place so much.
When u call there # there's no option for a main desk whatever # u press goes straight to the donation line so u can't get ahold of anyone. And when my friend tried bringing my stuff inside because it was going into storage for a few days they said that my friend couldn't bring it in so it was left on the sidewalk and my bag is now missing. Now I need to ask them to check cameras.
overall - this is a great place to stay at for those 16-24. It has all the services you need (dental, medical, mental health) and it provides a safe environment for those in need. The staff for the most part are very nice, but because it is a big facility; you have many different personalities and you may have a hard time in dealing with certain individuals just like any other place you go to. I was an angry kid but this place helped me alot and were very patient with me.
@Violet Vendetta, you took the words right out of my mouth. The staffs in this house have no clue how to help people put their life right back on track. They think being so strict is the way to go, but instead they end up pushing people back to the streets where they came from. They don't even try to understand you or see that everyone's story is different. They judge people based on some ridiculous rules they made up and they think that what works for "Mr A" will work for "Mr B". I stayed at this house and you know what I call that period, when I think of it now "Huge waste of time" the only good thing that happened to me was getting discharged, because that's when I actually started making progress in my life. I found out that this house limited me soo much with their crazy rules. Like most people said already, the only good thing you get is the friends you make. And for the staff of covenant house; just cause someone is homeless doesn't mean they don't want to make something out of their lives, doesn't automatically make them a liar and it doesn't mean that they don't know what is best for themselves. They're homeless not stupid and anyone can easily get into such situation when they're faced with certain circumstances in their life even you. Anyways, you know what they say, "only the person wearing the shoe, knows where it hurts"
The child and youth workers here don't know what it means to be a child and youth workers and quite frankly, most of them don't deserve the title of Child & Youth Worker. They do next to nothing, when a resident needs help with family reconnecting. They "push" youth to get out of the shelter as soon as possible without taking into consideration if they're ready to live on their own. The staff here hold rules above morals. This is coming from a year-long resident.
A home for where troubled youth , I like myself found home and friends for life . They had given me food ,a place to sleep and protection . I would forget anybody's face from there Sir Abdul ,Judas , Raoulph , Howard , O'Neil , Christopher and Madame Laura , Nicola , Shanezie , Riley ,Carlee , Crystal. There were so many more I can't recollect every names but I am with you guys
costomer service on my own opinion is mostly taken for granted in most cases including most shelters around the gta
20/01/26
To be very honest; Covenant House is good when it comes to space, donations, resources, and medical care but really seam to have a lack of respect for all clients mental illness and or mental status. I believe confidentiality is a problem as well as the food may be lackluster at times depending on one's dietary needs, also theft of property is apparently not the faculties prerogative. Beware of favoritism and Prejudice.
I am ashamed to read the other reviews left about this Facility. Covenant House is the reason I am off the streets and running my own business today. This is a no nonsense facility. If you are a lazy drug addict with no respect for authority, this place will be a shock to your system. #1, they force you to get a job. If you are homeless, and have shelter, that should be your first priority. If it isn't, go to rehab, and grow up! With the help of O'Neill (who is still on the staff there today) I got 2 jobs within my first 10 days at Covenant House. I worked hard, 8am - 6pm at The Leather Ranch, and 6pm - 10:30pm at HyperionGL (Internet Cafe). Once I was making money, they collected "rent" from me, which was really just them putting the money I probably would have blown into a savings account. Once I had a significant amount saved, and I felt stable enough, they released me from their care and handed over the account. I had over $7000. I've never looked back since. Anyone who has bad things to say about this place...is probably still homeless, writing from the library or an internet cafe, and really need to look in a mirror at themselves. Its your choices that make your life...so deal with them, and leave the people working hard to help you out of it.
I think I was rejected for the fact that I was well dressed and groomed.
Just sharing that there is no clothing donation bin around here. Google lists this place as one of the locations with donation bins.
unfortunately this place used to be good place to stay at, but not anymore. now most of the staff pick favourites and judge, and let the other residents blare the tv too loud. and overall the vibe and atmosphere is very uncomfortable.
Toronto would not be the same without Covenant House! I can speak to various issues regarding homeless youth and shelters! As a former homeless youth covenant house has been the best to me and safest to live! Staff and community donors do everything in their power to support. I cant thank covenant house enough for their previous support and continuous support!
This place is huge. Reception staff are great, volunteers too. This is a place that really does looked after vulnerable youth and empower them. Facilities and staff are awesome. Location is cool, for such a prominent non profit to have space in such a good area. Wow.
BEST PLACE FOR YOUTH.
Kind emloyees taking care of best kids I ever met. They have very practical and thought through program of action for every kid that comes to them. Starting with basic biological needs and to the point of finding a job and saving money for your own place!
Youth need help and this place is always open for them!
They have everything you can ask for but they may lack financing.
Please HELP Toronto YOUTH.
4 stars for giving me a place to stay. A lot of good staff here. Some staff should reconsider career choices.
This building is gorgeous and I here great things about the work that's being done here.
Keep Arshee safe and happy. I'll make a donation soon.
Okay for the record I have never been to this place but shoutout to Suzy or Suzie which ever way you spell it. I have heard her speak twice at my school and she keeps it real no bs, probably the best speaker I have heard from. Keep doing what you are doing.
Your experience here will depend on a lot of factors such as who you are and the types of people you come accross. It's a homeless shelter for youth so not everything is sunshine and roses. The building is very large and feels more like a school or library. The food given to the residents is very good and always varies. There is lots of things offered to homeless youth if you just ask. For more info visit the covenant house website.
This is by far the most amazing youth homelessness program ive ever come across, I eat better here then with my own family, I'm talking four star meals. Security on site and the most friendly staff I could imagine. I'm very happy this place is here for those who need
Great people helping homeless kids and youth with possible way food supplies
Youth shelter up to ages 24. Good location with support staff to help with finding housing and other supports.
Everyone is helpful and all is awesome .
I miss this place and all family that I had made .
Best shelter in the city as long as your ok with all the staff having a say on your path to well being.
I was lucky enough to get paired with a really good worker who knows how to do his job. One time I was discharged because of something my roommate did, and my worker actually got mad and complained to his higher ups. That was a traumatic time for me and it shouldn't have happened but at least someone cared. There really are people working here who care and want to help the less fortunate. Not all of their workers are perfect but most of them are really caring and competent at their jobs, and with the large amount of staff there is always at least 1 good worker on each floor for each shift. They prioritize safety and cleanliness, and they have a health clinic in the building. They also have emergency beds for human trafficking victims and people escaping domestic abuse. Probably the best emergency shelter in Toronto, every time life screwed me over they were there to help.
Do not as support this place!!! ALWAYS harassing clients out front that are very rude and vulgar!! And when you call and complain, THEY DONT CARE!!!
Can someone please look into this, we see a man sleeping beside walkway every night and we are very much concerned as winter is fast approaching. He sleeps near yewtree Blvd and Jane street
Discharged multiple times for no good reason with a 1 week card (banned from all services including the drop in, health services etc) yesterday I got the boot cuz I swore bcuz they weren't following my team leaders note that stated I was allowed ttc tokens for appointments and to get my suboxone dose daily (due to being prescribed opioid pain meds since early 2013 for a recurring spinal abcsess) I was also called an ass hole by a shift supervisor and racist terms by a youth "prince" then assaulted by another youth 2 hours b4 my discharge for "verbal abuse" and kurk the shift supervisor was too busy playing domino's to help me out with getting tokens and talking about what had happened. This place discharges more youth than houses. I'd recommend the YWCA 1st stop Woodlawn to any female and any male I've heard good things about the new YMCA aka The Y house (new building) or kennady house. Stay away from evas place! No help there and u gotta be gone
8-4 and they don't give tokens and its all the way at Leslie station on lesmil... evas satellite is a harm reduction shelter so youth can use there and the bathrooms r quite dirty and the bedrooms r tiny like the size of the intake bathroom at covey maybe with 2 beds and a table a 2 school lockers. So yea hope this review is helpful to anyone who may be new to toronto or is looking for a shelter space.
In my opinion the best youth homeless shelter in Canada
The staff here treat residents like they are jokes. Residents are forced to be out on the streets all day and are locked out of their rooms.
Has free food twice per weekdays, for homeless or struggling youths.
Some of the the rules at covenant house are restricting of personal freedom and the staff do what they please. On the bright side, the programs offered here are amazing like the school program, art program and the job training programs. Their food is good and the shelter is well built and maintained. Their health clinic is pretty good If you get a chance to be seen that is, as the health center packs up quickly. I'm not complaining about their services, just stating the facts.
I still don't completely support this shelter though because of the way they portray it to the media and how easy it is for someone to get banned here. For example, if a worker thinks you are "under the influence" they can discharge you.They don't even need proof, If the staff SUSPECTS anything from you, they can decide to kick you out. No proof no, just assumptions. The staff do get the upper hand, there is little to no reasoning most times just allegations and suspicions. This, I don't understand. I've seen it firsthand and have also experienced these accusations as well. Fortunately, it was proven to be it just that, an assumption. If you get banned, you cannot access ANY of their services, which seem a little harsh. The amount of power given to these workers and how easily their judgements, whether accurate or not, determine the fate of the youth who stay here are keeping me from giving this place a full five stars. If a staff member is having a bad day, and decides to take it out on a youth, then what? Or if a staff member reacts to a youths emotional state and in doing so, causes unnecessary problems that could have been prevented by the staff responding instead, and then leads to a ban or a warning on the youths part, then what? It seems unsettling indeed. At least in other youth shelters, the staff and teens have more of a chance to talk it out or come up with a solution then an immediate ban. Maybe it's because other shelters don't give as much power to their staff as Cove does. Both have their pros and cons.
Take a look inside Covenant House at their huge wall covered in the names and companies of people who have donated to them a substantial and deeply generous amount of hard earned dollars. Covenant House has got it set. Btw, thank you so much to all those people who donated to Covenant House, It's a really nice thing to do and I can see just by the many services offered here and the clean building itself that it has been used in a beneficial way.
Overall, my experiences with their services has been positive and the staff, based of my recent stay here are improving, which is really really good.
I recommend any one to get involve and support covenant house. Their support directly goes to provide shelter, clothing and food for our youth needy ones. Involve with any amount works for you. The covenant house of Toronto needs your support. This community is one of the best of I put my trust!!!!
I would give this place a rating of 1 just because the place is violent. Do not go if you are an at risk youth, you will be more at risk living at this shelter. Hard to keep your bed at this place. People always come and go because management and staff think it's okay to discharge you based on things they heard, not what they've seen. Staff are also ignorant and inconsiderate of your needs due to either lack of empathy or having to oblige to the rules of the city that were placed. It us there role to enforce rules regardless if it does not work for you. I think thus to be kinda ruthless in my opinion. I however do know that they ration donations and spend and budget their money very well. No complaints there. There are some staff who will go above and beyond for you. Having a stable support is number one. I rated this a three, just because the negative has built my character, given me strength and the whole experience has given me the opportunity to grow even if it wasn't a very safe, comforting or friendly place. Best piece of advice, always smile, use your manners and don't give them a reason to complain about you. When it comes to other youth, be observant but be careful who you talk to and what you get yourself into. Sometimes people do and will judge you based on the crew or type of people you hang out with. Focus on your housing piece while residing at this shelter, it won't be long until you start realizing that the shelter life isn't for you.
HARCELAGE, ARNAQUEUR, PROFITEUR, do you want others?
My name is McKenzie bertin and ... I have been at risk for almost4 years,. Don't go too this shelter because the staff don't give food too anyone that sleeps outside,. Not even a price of bread... They will claim they ran out of food...... When staying there you. Will experience slot of bullies which the staff don't actually do anything about, the staff are fake they act welcoming too the public, but they try too talk down too me every time I am in there, they are inexperienced and can not relate with youth in any shape or form,.
The only good thing about covenant House is they discharge you!!!
I've stayed here multiple times for long periods, to be honest with what Covenant House provides it did not help me in anyway. The best thing about it is the friends and friendships/relationships you inquire during your stay. You must make 'Contact" Two Times a Day, Follow Strict Rules, and your not even allowed to Hug a friend if they need it. How Bizarre! You must follow your Day-Plan Ever Single Day without breaks, anyone that says this is a good shelter does not know the truth.
hello to you I have been receiving for some years cards for the holidays and other I am very very happy about it it fake me to tell you that my address has been changed to the 516 st luc # 2 he is no longer at the apartment 4 change for the apartment 2 please thank you i stay in laval
This is place has got nice meal and a little few nice people. I was once stayed here but I didn't like the female staff at all. Initially when you doing the intake they talk about confidentiality and all but they do not practice it at all. On many occasion I witnessed the female staff members talking about the youth negatively, when they whisper to themselves, sometimes they do not even whisper st all. Is this what confidentiality looks like to them, the youth be there form of jazz and chit chat. And also when a youth is in some kind of problem, they will be able to help that person then after they will talk about it among themselves. This really frustrated me and annoyed me most of the times for they pretend to be nice people yet in actual sense snakes. I could list all the female staff members names but let me save it. I just hope they do change.
While I do support the ideals and mission of this organization I'm upset with their marketing department.
They sell your information to other charities.
I tested by using a different middle initial when donating money to them. After a few months I got new correspondence from other charities to my name with that same initial (which I change for each charity or mailing I do to keep track of who sells my data).
Be warned.
This place is okay for when you are in need of an emergency place to stay if they have a bed, and get into a program to get a career or job. The one thing that had occured that made me dislike this place is that i was speaking to management and put my phone down for a second and someone picked it up and on camera it shows who did it and they had knowledge of who the person was and basically did nothing about it, so therefore the staff if it was their phone would have taken it more seriously but because it was mine i felt the matter was taken lightly.
I'll be moving to Toronto from the United States will they take someone from another country
Best shelter for youth in Toronto. Staff are all very kind and friendly. Provide plenty of services to at risk youth as well as a very clean shelter.
Mostly FIRST GENERATION IMMIGRANT KIDS but their marketing uses white Canadian kids to fool the public into thinking that they're actually helping Canadian Kids. Stayed here when I was a kid in the late 80's it's alot different now.
Great organization to partner with for helping youth and homeless!
covenanthousetoronto.ca