Covenant House Adopts a Bus Stop

They are runaways, abandoned children, street kids.

They are the kids who have no place to go - until they reach Covenant House Texas, a shelter for kids ages 10 to 21, with most ranging from 18 to 21 years of age.

"This is the population that opts out of all the social services. They are definitely on the street, and we want to change that cycle," says Carolyn Garrard, public relations specialist.

One way to break the cycle - in addition to offering shelter so they can work and attend school - is to help these young adults become a part of their community and give them a sense of pride.

Covenant House has done this by forming the Covenant House Texas Community Action Team (CAT), which participates in regular civic projects in the neighborhood.

One of the latest ones was with METRO's Adopt-a-Stop/Adopt-a-Shelter program. The group adopted a METRO bus shelter at the corner of Yoakum and Lovett in May 2007. Several times a week, the young people empty the trash at the bus stop, and on Saturdays, do a major clean-up.

"On any project, we usually take10 kids out in the community. The kids have a great time. We go to breakfast at McDonald's and are out on projects at 9 a.m. After they're done, they ask, ‘When's our next project?'" says Garrard.

Garrard points out that by giving back to the community, these young people build their self-esteem. "It's good for them to be needed in the communities and in the neighborhood. They get a good sense that they're giving back and helping somebody else," says Garrard.

In addition to helping METRO's Adopt-a-Stop program, the group has participated in cleaning local parks, part of the city's Keep Houston Beautiful program. Last December, the group was recognized for its efforts with an award from Keep Houston Beautiful at the Mayor's Proud Partners luncheon.

For more information on how you can adopt a METRO bus stop or shelter, click here.