New Campus Campaign

A new residential home is needed, where we can ensure services will be available for youth survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation for years to come.

New Campus Update.

Join Founder and Executive Director, Dedee Lhamon, for an exciting update!

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THE PLAN

A beautiful property was graciously deeded to The Covering House by a remarkable family. Resting on 17 acres, the original building was in great need of repair. In December 2022, the decision was made to build a new building rather than renovate the original building for our new residential home and organization headquarters. Building new will be much more cost effective, and the building will be on one level instead of two, providing a safer and more mobile-friendly residential home. A one-story building will also improve energy costs and we are investing up-front in green energy including solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and geo-thermal heating which will lessen utility costs and make the home more financially sustainable.

The new residential home will double the number of youth we can serve 24/7, with 10 beds for youth survivors of sex trafficking, with the potential to expand to 14 beds in the future. Due to the growth, we may be able to serve younger youth in the future.

Our staff will need to grow in order to care for our increased number of youth and to help reimburse the childhood they missed out on. During their time with us, our youth enjoy homemade meals around a family table, share laughter together, receive multiple therapies, learn healthy relationships and boundaries modeled by adult staff, learn life skills, and receive an excellent education aligned with Missouri academic standards. One of the most important things, they are simply able to be kids.

Serving as the organization headquarters, the The Covering House's other programs and services will also be run out of the New Campus: Community-Based Services, Prevention and Intervention programs (Reducing the Risk), community trainings, and future planned programs, including Therapeutic Foster Care. The new building will enable each program to grow and run successfully.

We anticipate breaking ground in May 2024 and opening the New Campus in February 2025. Please consider giving a gift to help more youth survivors of sex trafficking have a safe place to call home.