She Strengthens

From Homelessness to Hope: A Journey of Self-Discovery

At 18, I thought I had found love. My boyfriend and I were high school sweethearts, but our dreams were put on hold when the recession hit in 2008. With no jobs in sight, we were forced to rely on each other for survival. When my boyfriend lost his place to live, he moved in with me and my mom. We spent months searching for jobs, but to no avail. Eventually, my mom had had enough, and we were left to fend for ourselves.

A Leap of Faith to Los Angeles

With nowhere to go, we made the bold decision to head to Los Angeles, hoping to find opportunities and prove to ourselves that we could overcome adversity. But the reality of homelessness hit us hard. We bounced from crowded shelters to sleeping on the streets, until we stumbled upon the Covenant House.

A Beacon of Hope: The Covenant House

The Covenant House was a game-changer. This youth-focused shelter provided a safe haven for those between 18 and 21. With its structured program, including job search seminars and daily chores, it offered a sense of purpose and community. I was grateful for the support, but I knew I was one of the lucky ones. Many others weren’t as fortunate.

Lessons Learned on the Streets

Before finding the Covenant House, we endured many sleepless nights on the streets. Those experiences taught me to appreciate the little things and cherish the comforts I have today. Looking back, I realize I didn’t have to go through all that. I could have stayed at home and pursued college. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Those struggles made me who I am today.

Finding My Footing

At the Covenant House, I landed my first job at Universal Studios, running carnival games. It was a tough gig, but it gave me a sense of self-worth. After saving up, we moved to Northern California, where I eventually found a new sense of purpose with the help of my aunt and a new job. I broke free from my toxic relationship and started pursuing my education.

A New Chapter

Today, I’m on the cusp of finishing my AA degree and have just started a job at a major tech company in Silicon Valley. I’ve learned that even in the darkest times, there’s always hope. My journey has taught me to appreciate the little things and to never give up on myself. With the support of my loved ones, I’m excited to see what the future holds.