At the corner of Kingshighway Boulevard stands Covenant House. A shelter for homeless youth dedicated to providing transitional housing, medical care, education and employment for ages 16-24.
This year, eight UMSL students volunteered at Covenant House’s annual Christmas celebration. Remy Xa, who graduated this semester, expressed amazement at the accomplishments of the events. “It was impressive and exciting to learn that Covenant House created gifts of over $200 for each individual youth under their programs.”
UMSL volunteers wrapped and organized gifts, including new clothes and backpacks for the kids attending school. For those looking to establish independence, home essentials like cups and plates were also gifted. Our UMSL students also helped organize the shelter’s resource closet, which provides essential clothing and business gear free of cost to residents.
Senior Sabrina Underwood shared her favorite experience of the event.“I enjoyed wrapping the presents. I was hopeful thinking about the kids opening them and feeling appreciation despite hard times.”
Underwood further highlighted the importance of building empathy in the next generation. “You never know what others are going through and a lot of us are one paycheck or medical bill away from potentially becoming homeless.”
Xa expressed appreciation for the work Covenant House has done.“Some homeless outreach shelters will reject community members based on aspects of their identity (age, gender, sexuality), but Covenant House is very inclusive. It felt great to contribute to making the community safer.”
Although homelessness remains a pervasive issue, organizations like Covenant House continue to provide holiday cheer and warmth to those experiencing hard times.
