Catholic transitional housing centers help homeless youths

Published: 2007-01-04

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- "Before you know it you'll be 30 and have no education," Michael Gunn tells a small group of older teens gathered on a street corner in North St. Louis. Gunn is part of a Covenant House Missouri effort to reach out to young people ages 17 to 21, especially those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. "Our youth have such potential; all they need is direction. With support, love, encouragement and a few resources they can turn that potential into successful independent futures ... and that's what we try to offer at Covenant House Missouri," said Suzanne Wagener, executive director. Covenant House Missouri, a program rooted in the Catholic tradition, was brought to St. Louis by Philadelphia's Cardinal Justin Rigali when he was archbishop of St. Louis. It serves those who fall through the cracks of the social service system because they are too old for youth services yet not ready for programs targeting adults.

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