Covenant House

Covenant House preys on elderly donors. They keep sending my 94-yr old father with memory issues repeated requests for donations. They’re bleeding him dry with their predatory fundraising.

I was watching Newsmax on my tablet, a covenant house commercial came on with closed captioning, Amazing Grace was playing in the background but as soon as the song started playing the closed captioning started using random thought words avoiding Amazing Grace all together. When the song was finished the closed captioning went back to what the announcer was saying. I find this offensive and before I donated a dime I would check into this company to make sure it was legit.

I used to donate until I found out that there are three different executives who EACH take $3,000,000 dollars a year as executive pay. I'm sure there are more.
Why be a steward of capitalism, when you can just take over a charity? Like stealing candy from a baby!

I was homeless twice. I got the Christmas card. I survived being poisoned twice. I've been off the streets for five years in stable apartment and I helped save a four year old are st Jude's when I had a job. I donated ten bucks. But the credit goes to the doctors. Also I am thanking my goddess for saving and friends and strangers. Thank you for the christmas card. I will try and help when I can but having hard time with getting buy. It won't break my spirits. When I get work again next year I will keep this place in my heart and hope to help out with donations. It makes me feel good and I will be helping more wildlife as well. Thank you for the work you do for the homeless.

Impossible to cancel donation, phone number has fake options that lead to nowhere. SCAMMERS. Had to call my bank!!!

I've repeatedly tried to cancel my monthly donation, and they have not answered or responded to any communication and have continued to charge me. If you look them up, you'll see this is a VERY common problem with them, and I think they do it purposefully. I feel they and their CEO who makes $300k a year, need to be investigated. I'm reporting the charges as fraud.

I’m sure they do great work, but the way they handle donations is ABSURD! There should be an easier way to cancel donations than having to email (which no one ever answers) or call (which no one cares enough about their job to do it right).

I made what was supposed to be a ONE TIME donation back on January 3rd, there’s no other option but monthly apparently. I thought no big deal, I’ll just cancel after this donation. Boy, was I mistaken.

I’ve emailed them about 6 times since then and called 4 or 5 times (it’s been 3 MONTHS!) to no avail. Every time I call, if anyone even picks up, they’re always rude, and they ALWAYS tell me to just email. Which I’ve done multiple times. Nobody checks that email I guess so I’m not sure why it’s a contact option??

It’s ridiculous that I have to transfer all my money into my savings account so I won’t be charged by these imbeciles. And now I’m gonna have to contact my bank which I didn’t want to have to do but they leave me no choice since I can’t get ahold of anyone.

Honestly, find somewhere else to donate to. unless you want to spend your money to be bombarded with emails and have to deal with the worst customer service to cancel.

I donate to CH because I believe that I was called by my Lord God to give what I can to help where I can. I have been Blessed with 46 grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2008 my eldest grandson was shot and killed after being placed in what was mistakenly considered a safe house for teens and young adults living on the street. His mother (i use that term for her as biologicałly thats all she was) changed the locks on the doors stuffing his dirty clothes into a garbage bag and throwing him onto the street. No one realized the truth for a very long time by then it was too late..she covered the truth with her lies. I wish he could have found Covenant House. If he had I believe he would be alive today. I tried to put a photo of him with this message but wasn't able to. God Bless Covenant House.

I ended up on Covenant House’s mailing list after they bought my information from another charity. you have to call them to be removed from their mailing list, so I gave them a call to request that I be removed. The employee answering the phone (her name is Sandra) was extremely rude and ended up literally yelling at me because I couldn’t understand what she was saying. She told me I wasn’t on the mailing list, but they had gotten my information from the mailing list, and then screamed at me when I told her that didn’t make sense. She implied that i was incapable of understanding and continued to yell. When I finally got the clarity that Covenant House had bought my information from another mailing list (not their own), I thanked Sandra for her time; she could not get off the phone fast enough.

The fact that this charity bought my information to harass me for donations, coupled with the fact that I received the worst customer service of my life from calling them has led me to blacklist Covenant House from my donation lists.

My problem with donating to Covenant House is that I am now bombarded with solicitations for additional funds. At least once a week, sometimes more often. Also with phone requests. I would have been fine with giving once or twice a year, but I am worn out with the constant demands for funds. Last week I got a big envelope with a bunch of unsolicited merchandise (Christmas cards and stickers). I have requested to be taken off their list as I am worn out by the "Gimme" letters. To date that request has not been honored. I cannot help but wonder if my donation has not been consumed by the costs of hitting me up for more money. My advice would be to avoid giving them money and getting on their list.

Covenant House is often the last buffer between homeless kids and fulfillment of their high at-risk status for predators. Covenant House's advocacy for homeless kids is most evident in their tremendous outreach program and they fill in the gap that families, schools and government agencies cannot begin to complete...the kid's emotional need for love and protection and a promise that though these kids may have nothing, they are indeed important and can rise above street life and its material limitations to become productive, faithful and conscientious members of society. They offer hope to those who have none.

In the past I've attended their "Deck The Halls" Event. I helped decorate the shelter s well as wrap Xmas gifts donated to the residents. I'm looking forward to doing it again this year as I enjoyed volunteering their. The kids seem to enjoy the atmosphere there and that's something that I can support!

I recently saw this charity featured on Good Morning America. The story focused on a young girl named Nigeria, and truly inspired me to want to help homeless youth. I know I'll be supporting these folks for a VERY long time. - Travis

I've been donating to Covenant House for about 2 years after a friend of mine participated in one of their sleepouts. Since then he's continued to volunteer and talk about how worthy of a cause they are to support. I've heard a few success stories, and the resources are definitely going to the right places. Hope they can keep it up.

Covenant House is such an inspirational program. I was able to sleep out in the past with friends in order to support the many youth who receive support from Covenant House. It was a great learning experience and I look forward to participating and bringing more friends with me in future.

Covenant House continues to impress me with its tremendous commitment to saving kids and helping them realize their full potential.

For two years I have participated in their Broadway Sleep Out and volunteered. I've met the kids whose lives have been forever impacted by the good Covenant House does, seen the pride the staff takes in their facilities, and directed homeless kids to a warm meal and the help they need. I wholeheartedly endorse the vital work they do here!

Covenant House is truly an inspirational organization. I suggested that my younger Cousin after a major falling out with my Aunt. Covenant House took him right him and supplied him with food,clothing, and shelter. They've even helped him continue his education, maintain a job, and taught him how to save money for his very own apartment.

The change in my Cousin's behavior and the impact that Covenant House has had on him may have saved his life. He's raved about the staff and how it's easy to tell that they truly care about the residents. For the first time I feel that he's respecting other people, and sincerely trying to maximize his potential. Also, he took the first step and mended his relationship with my Aunt :-) .

I've seen first hand how Covenant House can help homeless youth, and troubled teens in general. I thank them for their effort and dedication, and will continue to support them moving forward.

So I volunteer at Covenant House. I'm a active duty military member that has served over +10 years. I've two degrees. I'm not an idiot. Copy all, on the salaries...thought however. If this non-profit has survived as long as it has, do you want to pay a good leader to stay there? Or should they be selfless and work modestly? I dunno. That's above my pay grade but I'd be willing to hear both sides of the argument a bit more.

I have a comment on those complaining about all the stuff the Covenant House sends to people. You may not be homeless--but you may know someone who is. Or you may know someone who knows someone who is. Also you may donate to the organization. Free food, free laundry, free clothes, free job search, free resume building, free medical (location dependent). And they still have to pay salaries, benefits, upkeep, etc. I can say the key to fund raising is connections and social networks....from what I've seen anyway. Again I may be full of it and none of you may believe me but guess what I'll doing most weeks? I'll be out in the city every Friday night handing out covenant house sunscreen, chapstick, business cards, wrist bands along with snacks and water just to let boys know they don't have to get beat and girls that don't deserve to be touched at night.

Again maybe I'm wearing rose colored sunglasses. But I see more good than bad.

Covenant House cares for homeless and at-risk young people. They met the youth where they are - whether they need a warm meal, a place to sleep, help getting their GED or finding a good-paying, stable job. Covenant House treats each young person that walks through their door with unconditional love and absolute respect, as expressed in their mission statement. Sometimes it is the first time these young people have felt safe, loved, encouraged to believe in themselves. The work Covenant House does 24 a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year is so important, it is life changing and lifesaving.

Covenant House has long impressed me with the wonderful work that it does with young adults. This age group can seem so grown up but often are hiding their suffering and injuries. If we can give them a hand to conquer their pain, they can develop into amazing persons. Covenant House is the means to making this happen.

I donated one time to this organization about 2 years ago. Since then, they have bombarded me with unsolicited mailings, each one more manipulative than the last. For a while I was getting a mailing at least every two weeks. As another reviewer said, they send junk regularly: useless, tiny blankets, mailing labels, cheap pens, tacky holiday cards, tiny gift bags and useless doodads. Clearly some fundraising company is making a mint off this outfit. According to Charity Navigator, only 67% of donations goes to actually caring for kids. Almost 20% of every dollar goes to fundraising. http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4813#.UjEB0vvD9c8
If they have enough time and money to send this crap, why not spend more on actual children. Charity Navigator, a ratings aggregate web site that studies all aspects of charities, gives this group only 2 out 5 stars for handling finances.

I think I will stop contributing to this charity until those two money-hungry ones stop collecting salaries totaling over $500,000. Imagine how much help our children would receive if no salaries were paid. This is not a 100 per cent volunteer organization as their advertisements would suggest..

I have been a donor for over 30 years and continue to be grateful for the amazing work Covenant Houe does not just for the children who come to its doors, but also, by its advocacy efforts, for all homeless, suffering children.

Covenant House is an organization that i grew up with. At different times in my life almost every member of my family has done some sort of volunteer work for this organization. So I've had a pretty close hand view of the dedication and passion that this organization has for young people who are homeless, troubled and often have no place to go. This organization has weathered some difficult blows and it has grown and continued in its mission despite difficult times.

I recently attended their Night of Broadway Stars event, and this is one impressive charity! Their kids seem to have a lot of heart, even though most of them come from abusive homes and bad circumstances in general. Kevin Ryan seems to be doing a phenomenal job as President/representative. I'm very proud to say that I'm a donor and will continue to support Covenant House and their cause. - M. Carl Thomas

There is place where the doors are open 24/7 365 days a year -- and any young person in need can walk in and be greeting with unconditional love, safe shelter and life-changing services. That place is called Covenant House.

Youth homelessness has become epidemic in this country, but thanks to Covenant House more than 51,00 kids escaped life on the streets last year. If you visit www.covenanthouse.org, you will see that this organization has a 40 year history of providing lasting solutions that help kids transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Isn't that what America needs right now?

Great charity. Doing a lot for the homeless and runaway kids in so many cities of NorthAmerica. Thank you KevinRyan for doing God's work.

I work hard for my money and like to see that it is used for the reason I donate. I think the Covenant House concept is wonderful...we don't do enough to help our "throw away" children. However, I cannot donate to a charity where the two top people make over 500K total. Is this necesary? I donate to NJ Special Olympics. The Head make 150K. This is a good salary but reasonable....Why does Covenant house have to have TWO people making this kind of money. Why two people. Seems very over the top to me...I bet it didn't start out this way. I did get unsolicited mailings with a book. The book was very moving so I wanted to donate and see where my money would go. I don't think it would touch these children since these two people have to get paid their over-the-top salary. It's unfortunate.

The work that Covenant House does in Latin America is hands-down the best work I've seen done with street children anywhere in the world. In Honduras they serve more homeless kids than the government, and they NEVER shut their doors. Who else in the world takes on the expense of being completely funded by individuals (thus the high fundraising costs) so that they have the flexibility to do this? No one. It's so much easier to accept grants and shut your doors when you reach your expected results or when the grant ends, but Covenant House has a real commitment to these kids. Stunning work, I promise you. Keep it up, Kevin Ryan & team, and keep those doors open.

Covenant House first touched my heart when I was still just a child myself. The organization's philosophy that all children deserve "absolute respect and unconditional love" is not only correct, but has been proven effective in rescuing tens of thousands of homeless children and young adults. Covenant House does not just give out charity, it gives a path to self sufficiency. Its success has been proven, there are business owners and doctors working today that once lived at Covenant House. Covenant House provides a clear, attainable and permanent escape from life on the street.

I have never served on a Board before and I was lucky to have been asked to join the Covenant House team 2 years ago. I am constantly inspired by the pure HEART of this organization. From the youth they serve to the staff who work with the youth every day to the administrative team who keeps CH running, I have never seen a group so committed to serving their mission and so willing to change when it is necessary. The youth come first here. They have saved so many lives, they are a home to those without. I feel blessed to be a part of the family...

I agree with Gretchen - I try NOT to donate to people who send unsolicited "stuff" - no matter how good the quality might be. However, I was impressed by their cover letter - well written and to the point and not so much a maudlin plea that often accompanies icky pictures of animals or people in terrible conditions.

Okay, I'm glad to see that Cov. House does such good work, but I can't support an organization that sends me, unsolicited, a package containing x-mas cards with envelopes, a pen, address labels, x-mas stickers, and a little paper gift bag. These items cost money and waste resources, and are clearly aimed at making me feel obliged to reciprocate, in cash. I send thousands of dollars to charities every year, and I am especially interested in operations, like Covenant House, that deal directly with persons in need. But I feel more comfortable supporting organizations that solicit donations in a straightforward manner. Address labels and other gimmicks are just that -- gimmicks; a worthwhile cause should speak for itself.

I heard about CoHo in the 80s and was impressed by the talk. Over the years I came to visit the program, attend events and go to the Vigil. I heard some of the kids in the program. They needed a helping hand and they found it here - when their families were unable to provide.

I've been to several events where Covenant House "kids" spoke and was so impressed with their desire to build on the hope and strength Covenant House has provided. Covenant House has taken in so many kids that would have died untimely deaths or would have grown in to adults without hope.

Covenant House is an excellent organization working with disadvantaged youths throughout North and Central America. I got to know it very well when I was a volunteer for their NINE-LINE - a hotline for youths at risk -(800-999-9999). Definitely, a donation worthy organization.

Covenant House is a tremdous organization. I thought I had a good idea of what they do until I had a full tour of the NYC shelter. Then I realized how much I didn't know and HOW MUCH more they do than I could have every imagined! Covenant House helps kids get off of the streets by not only providing food and shelter but by teaching these young people skills that will last them a lifetime. Its one thing to provide shelter for those in need, its an entirely different thing to provide them with the tools to rebuild their lives and become better people. And don't forget the assistance they provide for babies the of homeless females who otherwise could be on the streets with a hungry baby.

as a teenager i spent a night there, the doors are open . All of need to be aware of our homeless but especially our youth.

Covenant House is a greenhouse where kids can thrive and grow after being damaged by difficult life experiences. With love and practical help, the staff helps them follow their dreams. Hard work and respect by the staff help the kids in countless ways. Bravo!

Nothing is more profound to save these kids from abuse. Nothing hurts a humanity to see these innocent ones hurt and wounded by the one who should be their caretakers. Covenant House stands for them, telling them that "we are on your side" and "God is on your side", "Take courage Kiddo we will fight together, we will stand together". Every child saved is a victory to humanity.

I have a great family and I thought everyone did too. But lots of kids don't. Some of them are at Covenant House. For my last birthday, we asked everyone to bring a pair of pajamas to give to the kids. Then I went to Covenant House with my Mom and we gave the pajamas to the kids there. The teachers were really nice and the kids were having fun. It's a great place.

I've donated since its inception. It is vital to children that are being abused at home or have been evicted, often due to a new spouse for their parent. Left on the streets, they have little choice is ways to survive due to child labor laws. And a easy prey for hustlers, pimps & drug dealers. Covenant house rescues these kids and gives them a chance to finish their education and live a better life. Sometimes literally rescuing them from the arms of the pimps, etc.

I've been a supporter of Covenant House since it opened. It is tragic to read the stories of so many young people who have endured so much abuse and suffering through the treatment or neglect of their own families or the people they have known living on the streets. What a blessing Covenant House has been in reaching out and finding these young people. What a blessing it has been in housing them, feeding and clothing them, and helping them find meaning, purpose and love in their lives. I appreciate so much the information I receive from Covenant House keeping me advised of their work and accomplishments. I pray God's blessing on those who work at the Covenant Houses throughout the USA and on all the children benefiting from their care.

I have beening making donations to Covenant House for approximately five years or so.I know that this organization makes a big difference in the lives of the kids it impacts. I formally myself having my entire family being homeless know what their experience is like. But I am glad that just as I had my family through those trying times they have a family at Covenant House. They don't have to face it alone. What's sad is so many homeless kids fall victim to the streets but through this organization they can have hope. I know that its God's grace that keep such a charity running. It is God the gives them the ability to truly help. It is God who allow these sort of organizations and all involved to be an extension of his hand and grace. To be able to reach those who may be losing hope, who needs to feel the hand of his grace.

I have been a contributer to Covenant House for over 25 years because they help homeless children physically and spiritually. Their results have been outstanding helping this group that is so often ignored by society. Government programs do not reach many of these homeless children and encourage dependance rather than self sufficiency.

I have been a regular contributor for many years. Life on the streets is terribly difficult and dangerous for a child. Covenant House sends out vans with volunteers offering a sandwich and a cup of cocoa and, most important, the willingness to listen. The kids who accept their offer are given a warm bed, clean clothes and a chance. The volunteers are wonderful and there are many amazing stories of children who have been helped by their efforts.

I have been a contributor to covenant House for over 20 years. I am always astounded by the testimonials from the young people saved by the loving hands of the people at Covenant House. This organization is a beacon in the pits of homeless teens who find themselves victims of the predators who prey on young people. Covenant House offers a refuge for those who thought the streets were better than their homes only to realize they hat gone from bad to worse without a safety net. covenant house provides that net. I am proud to be a contributor to this mission work. I pray someday to be able to be a volunteer.

My personal experience is limited to Covenant House's monthly letters to donors describing the heart breaking stories of homeless kids who they have encountered, all whom they have tried to help. Some stories have happy endings with the kids going on to become successful contributors to society, and other stories do not have such happy endings if the kids are unwilling to accept the help offered.

Kids shouldn't have to fend for themselves. Every child deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and safe. Covenant House provides a sense of family for kids without one. They give kids a chance to belong and experience God's love. The work they do doesn't just touch the lives of the kids' they help. It goes beyond that, giving those kids an opportunity to grow up and be positive influences in the community around them. This is a "pay it forward" organization.

I commend Covenant House for their hard work and dedication to our youth. Children deserve a break no matter what life throws at them. Covenant House gives them that break. They supply the support, love, and compassion that kids need and don't always receive. Kudos to Covenant House.

Over the years Covenant House has been the one children's charity I've been willing to support on a consistent basis. Their mission of rescuing children who have been left to fend for themselves on the streets is essential to the survival of these abandoned kids. Theirs vans distributing food and taking kids in to their shelters are outreach in its highest form.

I have been moved over the years by the efforts put forth at Covenant House to reclaim youth from the mean streets of America. This is done to remove them from the snares of street violence, homelessness, hunger and lack of proper parental care. Some of the most touching stories have been to get these children out of the hands of predators whom abuse these children for whatever purpose or reason.