Bill Bedrossian was set on becoming a stockbroker. With a job lined up in Chicago’s financial district, he was focused on financial and professional success. But one afternoon, while walking to lunch, he stepped over a man experiencing homelessness without even noticing him. The man shouted after him, calling Bill out for his fancy suit and “little problems” while the homeless man was unable to get something to eat. Faced with another human just fighting to survive, Bill realized he had been preoccupied by things that, in the end, didn’t really matter. The encounter shook him. Weeks later, he left his career behind and enrolled in graduate school for social work.
Now CEO of Covenant House, Bill leads one of the most impactful organizations supporting youth experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1972, Covenant House provides shelter, support, and essential services to young people who have no safe place to call home—whether they’re aging out of foster care, escaping trafficking, navigating life as young parents, or surviving on the streets. Through powerful partnerships and programming, the organization serves tens of thousands of youth every year—helping them heal, gain stability, and build a future full of possibility.
Listen for insights on:
- The impact of the affordable housing crisis
- What it takes to end youth homelessness
- Creating visceral experiences for donors
Resources + Links:
- (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
- (00:13) - Covenant House
- (01:38) - Bill Bedrossian’s Background
- (04:38) - Formative Moment
- (07:16) - Covenant House Origins and Mission
- (09:32) - Services Provided
- (11:28) - Volunteers
- (13:14) - The Scope
- (13:58) - Insights for a Large Non-Profit
- (15:12) - Guiding Principles
- (19:04) - The Journey Home
- (21:24) - Linden Commons
- (24:21) - The Sleep Out
- (26:22) - Partnerships
- (28:16) - Favorite Story
- (31:03) - Integrating AI
- (32:11) - Last Word
- (33:40) - Wrap Up
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