IMPACT Strategies celebrated the completion of the interior build-out of ten additional bedrooms for Covenant House Missouri’s short-term shelter program on their main campus at a ribbon cutting last week. Covenant House Missouri is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-24 in the city of St. Louis.
This project created additional bedrooms, moving the short-term housing floor from ten double occupancy bedrooms to twenty single occupancy bedrooms. By providing individual bedrooms for all young people staying in the short-term program, the organization can elevate their ability to be COVID-19 responsive. Single occupancy bedrooms provide a safer way to quarantine if there is a case on campus. In addition to sleeping areas, the renovations included additional restrooms, laundry rooms, offices, and common spaces.
“We know that we can rely on IMPACT Strategies to make our vision come to life; we can trust them to construct a sanctuary for young people who turn to Covenant House for shelter and support. These ten new bedrooms will do more than provide housing for youth – they will allow young people to heal and grow in a safe space. The team at IMPACT Strategies were great partners in this project. This space will benefit youth in our community today and for many years to come.” said Jessica Erfling, CEO of Covenant House Missouri.
The $750,000 project was funded in part by grants through the Division of Homeless Services and the City of St. Louis Emergency Solutions Grants (part of the CARES Act). Oculus, Inc. is the architect-of-record.
To understand the full impact the new rooms will have, join Covenant House on November 17th and 18th for their “Sleep Out: Executive Edition” event Presented by Ascension Charity Classic (ascensioncharityclassic.com) at Harris-Stowe State University. This is an immersive experience that offers opportunities to learn from experts on the front lines of ending youth homelessness, connect with colleagues or community, and hear from people who have overcome homelessness. More information available at www.sleepout.org/event/missouri.
In September 2020, IMPACT Strategies completed the renovation of Covenant House Missouri’s Wellness Center on time, under budget and with no disruption to operations. The renovation included new therapy offices, a large common area, an intake office, and an exam room.
“IMPACT Strategies is honored to once again partner with Covenant House Missouri to support their critical mission of providing assistance and solutions for youth as they move from homelessness to hope,” said Nick Walker, AIA, vice president of project development & strategy. “One of our firm’s core values is the belief that we are better together. It is a privilege to collaborate with organizations like Covenant House Missouri that have such a tremendous positive impact on our youth and our community.”
About Covenant House Missouri
Covenant House Missouri openly accepts youth experiencing homelessness between the ages of 16-24. We provide transformative solutions to guide them from homelessness to hope through outreach, residential services, educational programs, job training and placement, medical services, and mental health counseling. Ultimately, Covenant House Missouri’s goal is that every youth finds stable housing and moves towards an independent, sustainable future.
Learn more at covenanthousemo.org or contact Colleen Daum – Director of Advancement, Covenant House Missouri, cdaum@covenanthousemo.org – 314-934-2330
