On this episode of Journal, I want to introduce you to a woman I have tremendous respect for: Krista Thompson.

For 16 years she was the President and CEO of Covenant House Vancouver, an organization supporting youth aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness, meaning they may live on the street, or in cars, or occasionally find a bed with friends but no place they call home.

Sometimes they have been kicked out of their homes; sometimes they have been forced to run away because of abuse. Covenant House is there for them, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Recently, Krista led a major fundraising effort that resulted in a new building being opened that, with extra space, allows the counsellors to look after the very unique needs of the individuals who come to their doors seeking help – and believe me, their needs are complicated, often compounded by various addictions or history of abuse.

As Covenant’s material says: “One size fits One.”

There is no single solution that will work for every young person, so all of the care and counselling is intensely personal – What do YOU need, at this moment? Food? Bed? Mental health or addiction support? Covenant House currently has 60 crisis beds to be used for those in trouble – for as long as the crisis lasts.

As a result of Krista’s remarkable success, she has been tapped by Covenant House International to help other cities achieve their best results. Currently, she is on contract as interim CEO in Houston Texas until they complete their search for a new leader.

To talk about the overall challenges facing our youth today, Krista Thompson joins me.

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Carole Taylor's Journal is a public affairs dialogue that digs deep into the most pressing issues of our times. For more, see our website at http://www.caroletaylorsjournal.ca.

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