Keys in My Hand: Exit to Independence/ROP

This month, as part of Youth Homelessness ACTION Month, we’re lifting up a new storytelling series.

It’s told across five weeks—five true stories from across our federation—that together capture the arc of what Covenant House really means to our young people.

Each week in November, we’ll spotlight one story on our channels, moving through five stages of a young person’s journey:

Intake. Support. Growth. Independence. Community.

It’s a story in five parts. But really, it’s one story—a single thread of courage, care, and transformation that connects every Covenant House.

My name is Erika.  

It’s been a couple years now, but I still remember standing at the door to Covenant House, holding my son, Armani, and whispering to myself, “You can do this.” 

I didn’t know anyone inside. I had heard the worst about shelters. But I also knew I couldn’t do it alone anymore. Armani was nine months old. He deserved stability. He deserved safety. And so did I. 

Walking into Covenant House was the scariest decision I’ve ever made. But it was also the best. 

They welcomed me into the Stepping Stones program for young families. Suddenly, I was surrounded by other moms. There were twelve of us in total, all figuring it out, all raising babies while we worked on healing, growing, surviving. 

It could’ve felt overwhelming. But it didn’t. It felt like family. 

The counselors were there every step of the way, helping with job searches, celebrating milestones, encouraging me to take the next leap. All the moms leaned on each other. We watched each other’s kids. We shared everything. Shared stories. Shared strength. 

While I was there, I earned my GED, enrolled in the job development program, and landed my first job. The entire time, Covenant House provided childcare, so I never had to choose between chasing my goals and making sure Armani was okay. 

They even caught his first steps on video while I was working. 

You know how people say, “It takes a village”? That was us. And it still is. 

Today, Armani and I live in transitional housing, just the two of us. Well, me, him, and six other moms down the hall. A smaller village, but still full of love. 

I’ve applied to three colleges and I’m thinking about majoring in psychology. I’ve always been curious about how the brain works, about why we do what we do. And while I’m at it, I want to run a side business doing hair. I’ve got plans. I’m not slowing down. 

Armani’s almost four now. Every time he laughs, every time he learns a new word, every time he throws his arms around me, I’m reminded of what we’re building. Not just a roof over our heads, but a future. A life. 

He’s growing up with love, stability, and with a mom who shows up. 

Covenant House helped me create that. They believed in what I could become and gave me the space to become it. 

I don’t know where our path will lead, but I know this: We’re on this ride together. And now, I’m in the driver’s seat.