The goal of Covenant House Alaska’s Street Outreach team is simple. We meet at-risk kids when and where they need help most, on the streets. We go to them.  Our outreach team, peer workers and volunteers offer the youth the meet immediate assistance for their essential needs, including food, bus passes, emergency transportation, socks and warm clothing. We do everything we can to build trusting and safe relationships with them.

Once these youth reach our Youth Engagement Center (YEC), our case managers immediately start working with them, regardless of the reasons or circumstances that brought them here. They receive immediate medical attention at our clinic, critical mental health and substance abuse counseling, as well as a warm meal, a hot shower, dry clothes and a safe place to sleep. Perhaps most importantly, the youth receive something many of them have never experienced: unconditional love and respect. Whenever possible, we also work with youth to reconcile with their families.

The YEC shelter and Drop-In Center is open 24/7, 365 days a year offering three nutritious meals served every day.

For more information about this center and program, and to learn how you can help, please contact Josh Louwerse, Street Outreach Program Coordinator, at 907-339-4438 or jlouwerse@covenanthouseak.org.