DJ’s Journey: Finding Hope and Building a Future 

Every young person who walks through Covenant House brings with them a story shaped by life’s challenges and the possibility of transformation. DJ's story highlights the profound impact of care, opportunity, and support on a young person’s life. 

Born to a 16-year-old mother and losing his grandmother at just two years old, DJ grew up facing significant challenges. His grandfather’s battle with addiction added to the struggles, but his mother worked tirelessly to shield him from the harshest realities of their circumstances. 

As DJ entered adulthood, he faced mounting difficulties. Struggles with substance use and legal troubles strained his family relationships. At 21, DJ left his mother’s home and returned to New York, hoping to find stability. Instead, he encountered new barriers, including a court order that confined him to Georgia and homelessness after his uncle moved away unexpectedly and didn’t invite DJ to come along. 

“I had one outfit, the court outfit I was supposed to wear when heading back to New York. But my mom's advice was clear: don't come back to her house for anything,” DJ recalls. 

Then he found Covenant House.  

“My first impressions of Covenant House were mixed,” says DJ.” The experience was humbling.” 

Sharing a room with six others, sleeping on a bunk bed, and spending his 23rd birthday in a shelter was far from what he had envisioned for his life, but when he left to try another shelter, he found the conditions even more difficult. 

“We were expected to pack up and leave every morning around 7 a.m. It felt dehumanizing. In a moment of desperation, I contemplated things I never thought I would.  

The turning point came when DJ decided to return to Covenant House and to fully engage with the programs and support available.  

“That stark reality snapped me back to my senses, and I begged to be let back into the Cov,” says DJ. 

He joined a web development program, which helped him gain the skills and confidence to rebuild his life. Today, DJ has a full-time career at Accenture, where he has been promoted twice. He now has his own apartment, a car, and the stability he once thought was out of reach. 

“The Cov’s housing program and wraparound services taught me responsibility and opened doors to a future I couldn’t imagine,” he shares. 

At Covenant House, we know that youth homelessness is not the end of the story. Every day, we empower young people like DJ to build new beginnings, proving that brighter tomorrows are possible with the right support. 

DJ’s message to supporters highlights the importance of their involvement: “Your presence and support mean everything. You’re not just providing shelter—you’re giving someone the tools to rebuild their life. Keep showing up, because it makes all the difference.” 

DJ’s journey is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—and why the fight to end youth homelessness as we know it must continue. Together, we can create opportunities that change lives.