Covenant House’s Mission For The NYC Marathon

The ING New York City Marathon will once again feature more than 180 official charities, which in 2010 raised more than $30 million. One of these charities was Covenant House, who will be back to again participate in 2011. Covenant House’s Home Team runs to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth across the Americas who are served by Covenant House. With the help of the Home Team, Covenant House is able to give homeless youth the love, support and tools they need to find their way off the streets.

“So many of our Home Team members, including myself, have been inspired to train for and to run the marathon by the lives of the youth we serve,” said Covenant House president Kevin Ryan. “We make a point to have all our runners meet and get to know the homeless kids we are privileged to help at Covenant House. It is their courage and spirit to overcome adversity that make a special connection with our Home Team members, a connection that lasts long after they cross the finish line.”

Home Team has raised nearly $400,000 since it first started participating in endurance sports with 25 members in the ING New York City Marathon. Its races now also include the Nautica NYC Triathlon, Philadelphia Marathon and Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Covenant House serves over 70,000 homeless youth each year, through outreach and in residence, helping them to achieve a happy, healthy and independent life. Throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America, their programs provide a continuum of care to help them from homelessness to independence, including food, shelter, clothing, medical assistance, education and vocational services, counseling, legal services, life skills training, recreation, pastoral care, aftercare and transitional housing.