Often times when people hear the word “homeless” they think of a person begging on the corner, or someone sleeping on a park bench, even someone who couldn’t pay their bills on time and was evicted. While this is true, people rarely think of the homeless youth that have nowhere to go after foster care, or were getting abused in their home and couldn’t take it anymore, or were misunderstood in the household and were put out on the street.

I was one of those misunderstood in their household. Having to deal with fighting and arguing on a daily basis, not being trusted, or allowed to express myself. Dealing with being the only adopted child in the family and being treated differently.

A year and a half ago, I was put out of my house, or should I say not allowed back into my house ever again. Coming home from work I found a note on the door from my adopted sister that I could no longer live in her household because of a list of reasons. I read the letter feeling angry, scared and lost. I didn’t know where I would go; I had no money or phone to call anyone to help me. Crying and waiting at the bus stop, I began to think of how my life would be without a stable home, sleeping on sofas or if I would even have that luxury. I ended up getting a few quarters and using the pay phone. I called a coworker who was willing to help. I stayed the night with them and in the morning I went back to work. I spoke with my manager about what had taken place and I was told to leave and they would call me when they thought it was best I return. Needless to say, I was never called back. So at this time I have had no home, no clothes, no job, no money and no hope.

Having no place else to turn, Covenant House was seemingly my last resort…my last hope. While in the shelter, I began to work on myself and to think about how I could better myself and my situation. I stumbled a little at first but never gave up on my goals. I moved into an apartment in the Covenant House Rights of Passage program in August 2009 and have been there ever since.

Many youth have not yet gone the way that I have been able to go. Many are still on the streets, young ladies selling their bodies, young men selling drugs…all because they have no other way to support themselves and no one else to turn to. If you know a youth or have seen a youth in trouble or in need of help, please don’t leave them alone. Help them with the best of your ability. Don’t walk pass them if they’re crying on the corner.

I believe homeless youth have a future…we just need someone to guide us and to never give up no matter what challenges we may cause you. I’m glad that Covenant House is around because if they weren’t I don’t know where I would be today.