Oakland Housing and Career Center

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Covenant House California (CHC), an affiliate of the nation's largest private youth outreach and shelter provider, responds to a critical service gap for Alameda County's homeless transitional age youth through its Residential and Career Center in Oakland. The program replicates a time-tested model of care that addresses the multiple needs of a population that is often transient, hard-to-reach, and at great risk of violence, injury, and social failure. CHC's 30-bed Youth Residential and Career Center houses an 18-bed shelter, a 12-bed congregate transitional living program known as Rights of Passage, a 4,000 square foot career center, counseling, group, and recreational spaces. It is designed to provide a safe, youth-friendly environment and house an array of programmatic resources to assist residents in achieving their goals. CHC offers a continuum of care that begins with outreach (evening van, day services), 24-hour intake, and site-based supportive services tailored to each individual's needs including: case management, mental health treatment, education/vocational training and employment assistance, life skills workshops, and youth development activities. Demonstrating tremendous need and utilization, the shelter has operated at full capacity since opening its doors in 2007. It is the only permanent, year-round program serving the population in all of Alameda County. With these funds CHC will provide over 12 months, 10,950 nights of care and comprehensive supportive services. Importantly, with this support, a minimum of 120 youth will be assisted in leaving the streets, resolving their crisis situations, and achieving the goals they set for themselves as productive members of their communities.

NCA/NCF