Marcus Lives his Best Life After Covenant House Illinois

Marcus first came to Covenant House Illinois from Mississippi in 2020, visiting the drop-in center in Chicago daily before moving into our residential program. He received case management services, attended group sessions, and, with the aid of his case manager, developed an action plan that resulted, eventually, in his moving into an apartment. 

But a wave of unforeseen setbacks sidelined Marcus’ plans and left him facing the unwelcome prospect of homelessness again. That’s when he returned to CHIL, and our staff welcomed him with open arms. 

In August 2022, Marcus struck out on his own again, and we’re happy to share an update on how he’s doing one year later. Marcus is now 22 years old, working full-time, and living in his own apartment!

“When I left CHIL the first time, my plans fell through. But when I came back to CHIL last summer, that was my second chance. And it was cool to have a second chance. When I came back and tried again … it was that time that I was able to manage my life the way I wanted and stay focused and keep trying.”

Thinking about what was different about his second stay at CHIL, Marcus says, “I had to learn rules and boundaries were set for a reason, and I still apply those now that I have my own apartment.”

Today, Marcus is a happy tenant in his own studio apartment on the north side of Chicago, rented through the Chicago Housing Authority. Paying his rent on time is a top priority for Marcus, “I always make sure I’m staying on top of my rent, it’s always the bill I pay first. I’ve only been late once, when I was in between jobs, and so I picked up some shifts with a food delivery service to make sure that bill was paid.”

Marcus works at the Night Ministry as a peer outreach professional. He started as a volunteer on the youth outreach team before accepting the full-time position. His lived experience makes him especially great in his role. “Now that I have a job helping those who are in similar situations as I was, it has really amplified my passion for helping those in need. I just want to help folks when I see them in similar situations to what I was in because I know it can get better,” Marcus says.

As a peer advocate, Marcus helps individuals get homelessness verification cards, medical care, and substance use treatment and resources. He provides food, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and hygiene supplies to unhoused individuals throughout Chicago. “I do a lot of listening when I’m reaching out to people,” says Marcus. “I make a point to hear them and understand their situation so I can try and find the best resources to help them.”

CHIL helped Marcus with gift cards and clothing when he first started work. Marcus recalls Camille, our education and employment specialist, being a constant, helpful reminder for him to stay on top of responsibilities. "Her calls and text reminders really meant a lot to me as motivations to keep going, knowing ‘I gotta get this done.’ More than that, it meant so much to know that if I fall down, I have a place [CHIL] that will pick me up,” he says.

Marcus still visits CHIL from time to time. “Over the past year, if there were times I didn’t have food, I came to CHIL for canned goods and pantry foods. It means so much knowing I have a place to fall back on and when I come here, that I have someone to talk to and that can help problem-solve if issues arise.”

Outside of working full-time, staying on top of his bills, and the upkeep of his own apartment, Marcus says he’s “living his best life.” He goes to the gym four times a week and in his free time, catches up on sleep and does a little bit of cooking. Over the past year, Marcus has reconnected with his family in Mississippi and spent the holidays there last December.