Despite surging demand, CHMO has remained open and resolute, providing three hot meals a day, hygiene items, laundry services, and a cool, safe place to recharge both physically and emotionally. “We get calls every day. We can’t give everyone a bed, but we can always offer a hot shower, clean clothes, or a charged phone,” said Cook.

Youth stay an average of 102 days in the Genesis Emergency Shelter or 238 days in their Transitional Living Program, long enough to stabilize and begin to build the futures they dream of. CHMO’s holistic approach, addressing everything from education to healthcare to job readiness, has already helped hundreds of youth take their first steps toward independence and hope. 

This grant is part of The Opportunity Trust’s Reinvention by Community initiative, which empowers the community to choose where and how funding is allocated. Now in its fifth cycle, RBC has invested nearly $300,000 in addressing urgent challenges in and beyond schools.

Covenant House Missouri is one of six grantees in the 2025 cycle focused on housing insecurity—a need made even more acute by the tornado’s aftermath. “The investment today doesn’t just change a life for one day or week,” said Cook. “It changes it for years—even generations.”

CHMO has seen that firsthand, with former residents returning years later to serve on committees, tell their stories, and give back. “We even have a board member now who came through our program,” Vogel said. “Those are the stories people don’t see. That’s the power of this work.”

One of those stories is Nicholas Bowens. After experiencing homelessness, Bowens found stability, support, and a future through CHMO’s transitional living program. He stayed nearly two years, during which he secured housing, launched his own real estate business, and began building the life he once imagined was out of reach. Today, he serves on CHMO’s board and regularly returns to share his story with youth still navigating their own journeys. “Their whole mood changes,” Bowens said. “They’re more open, they know there’s a possibility at that point.”

With the RBC grant helping to stabilize and expand services, CHMO is continuing to welcome displaced youth with open arms—and open opportunities.

“We’re so grateful to The Opportunity Trust and One of those stories is Nicholas Bowens. After experiencing homelessness, Bowens found stability, support, and a future through CHMO’s transitional living program. He stayed nearly two years, during which he secured housing, launched his own real estate business, and began building the life he once imagined was out of reach. Today, he serves on CHMO’s board and regularly returns to share his story with youth still navigating their own journeys. “Their whole mood changes,” Bowens said. “They’re more open, they know there’s a possibility at that point.”the community-led RBC committee for believing in our work,” said Cook. “This gift helps us continue to show up for our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and love.”

You can help expand this impact. Covenant House Missouri relies on a strong network of supporters to continue this work. From volunteering and donating to spreading awareness, there are many ways to stand in solidarity with youth overcoming homelessness, trauma, and exploitation. Learn more and get involved at www.covenanthousemo.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates on the 2025 RBC grantees and the impact they’re making in classrooms, shelters, and communities across St. Louis.