These are sad and troubling times for our nation. We stand in solidarity with our youth and staff who are greatly impacted—79% of our young people and 74% of our staff are Black or African American. They deserve unconditional love and absolute respect, but instead have so often faced discrimination and rejection.

Time and time again, we see the ugly scars of systemic racism and prejudice show up as poverty, homelessness and human trafficking. The brave young people rebuilding their lives at Covenant House deserve to live in safety, with hope for brighter futures—as do all people of color who face persistent and egregious racism.

Without justice, there can never be true peace. We ask for your help and prayers in lifting our voices together to confront and dismantle racism and inequality in order to build the world our residents need and deserve.