To our Covenant House Alaska family, donors, and supporters,

We are thinking of you and your loved ones, and all who have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the still-unfolding ramifications our communities are facing in response.

Like other agencies around the country, Covenant House Alaska is taking steps to help prevent the spread of the virus while doing everything we can to support the health, safety and well-being of our youth, staff, and volunteers.

We are asking that our community members not visit our programs at this time and, in lieu of tangible donation items you might typically bring, consider a cash donation instead or a purchase from our Amazon Wishlist that can be sent directly to our shelter.

Our dedication to serving youth experiencing homelessness is only reinforced by these unprecedented circumstances. The best wisdom I have heard so far is that we should take this opportunity to slow way down, take care of ourselves and each other (from a distance, in many cases) and above all, to practice calm and kindness. When we come out the other side of this, it will be with a new perspective–a new appreciation for our support systems, families and all the people who love us.

Many youth come to Covenant House Alaska precisely because these support systems are not present in their lives. Our mission and privilege is to be there for them, as we know they will someday be there for others. Due to school and work closures, many of our youth are feeling a sense of uncertainty that’s extra scary for a young person who has had little control or routine in their early lives. We are doing our best to be a source of consistency and strength and your support means more now than ever in allowing our direct care staff to keep our youth safe and healthy.

Be good to one another, and thank you for always holding our youth in your hearts.

Alison Kear