Today, through the Premera Social Impact program, we had the honor of announcing a $1 million grant to Covenant House Alaska (CHA) to provide housing and behavioral health services for homeless youth.
This grant will support CHA’s Rapid ReHousing program, which will move 30 youth, ages 18-24, from temporary shelters into apartments.
“Putting a roof over someone’s head often means the difference between life and death, and that makes homelessness a healthcare issue,” said Jim Grazko, President and General Manager of Premera’s Alaska office. “We are excited to partner with Covenant House and help them fulfill their bold vision of eradicating youth homelessness.”
The program will provide employment, case management support and temporary rental assistance, while offering support services to help youth address behavioral health issues and navigate housing and employment systems.
CHA’s community faces daunting challenges, including human trafficking, homelessness, suicide, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse. The organization relies on partners within the native communities to support all youth in an appropriate community context.
“We operate with a lens that sees and reinforces the strength and resiliency of our young people. Our plan is that by 2020, youth homelessness will be rare, brief and non-recurring,” said Alison E. Kear, Executive Director of CHA. “We are committed to preparing young people, some of whom have endured profound challenges, to become the best version of themselves and to take their place as productive, contributing community members.”
The CHA grant is the first we are announcing as part of a five-year, $8 million investment to support efforts across Alaska to address behavioral health issues with a specific focus on homelessness. The funding was made possible due to recent changes in the U.S. corporate tax system that resulted in one-time-only tax refunds to some companies.
To learn more about Premera Social Impact, read the company’s community giving report.
Paul Hollie leads the Premera Social Impact program.
