Cold Weather Emergency
The rare weather system that has brought frigid temperatures, snow and ice across the United States is colliding with a far more common crisis: youth homelessness. For young people without a home, the arctic cold, combined with the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, is dangerous and life-threatening. Covenant House is a warm sanctuary that is open 24/7 and is prepared to welcome young people safely.
Young people facing homelessness residing in cities where harsh weather does not usually exist were caught unprepared by tumbling temperatures. This week they are faced with a tough decision: seek warmth in a crowded shelter and risk COVID infection or stay outside in the frigid cold and risk their lives against the elements. No human being should ever have to make such a decision, let alone a teenager!
Covenant House remains open around the clock to all young people seeking shelter, food, and warmth across the affected areas where our mission is present. We are committed to responding to the immediate needs of unhoused youth, wrapping them in the warmth of unconditional love and absolute respect, and maintaining strict COVID protocols.
In Houston, Covenant House Texas warned that hypothermia and frostbite threatened young people experiencing homelessness in the area, and anticipated a rise in demand during the emergency. “Due to the extreme winter weather, we anticipate an increased number of youth seeking services. Covenant House Texas staff are prepared to shelter and serve additional youth, while upholding precautionary pandemic protocols,” Covenant House Texas posted to social media.
Covenant House New Orleans has kept its doors open to young people ages 22 and under and their dependent children and to women of all ages with minor children.
Covenant House Georgia is also anticipating an increase in the need for shelter and services this week, as temperatures in the Atlanta area drop below freezing.
The cold is sweeping down from Minnesota to Texas and across the U.S. South, where states are less prepared to meet such harsh conditions and to accommodate and protect unhoused youth and adults. Covenant House will continue to appeal to young people experiencing homelessness to come to our doors at any hour. And our outreach teams will be on the streets, looking for young people who need a safe, warm place in these dangerous conditions.
Follow Covenant House on social media and at www.covenanthouse.org for updates. Your support keeps our doors open around the clock in all kinds of weather and during the ongoing public health emergency.
