When Sonmontez left Tallahassee and moved to Chicago in July 2023, he came with determination and a vision for a better future. “I knew there would be more opportunities for me in Chicago,” Sonmontez said. “I just wanted a chance to build something for myself.” After arriving in the city, Sonmontez spent time bouncing between shelters while trying to figure out his next steps. Eventually, he connected with Covenant House Illinois and entered CHIL’s residential program. Despite the uncertainty...

Will, 22, has spent his life on the west side of Chicago near Austin. Last fall, he found himself in a period of uncertainty, unsure of what his next steps would look like. A friend told him about Covenant House Illinois, and although he felt hesitant, he decided to stop by the drop-in center. "It was overwhelming being here at first," recalls Will. "Everyone was dealing with their own situations, and I didn't know where I fit in." Over time, however, he learned to take things in, focus on...

Discovering My Passion for Youth Advocacy I’m Bri Hailey. I’m a Detroit native, data analyst, cat mom, aspiring community connector, and youth advocate. Recently, I came across posts about Sleep Out 2024 on Instagram. They piqued my interest and led me to explore more about youth-focused organizations. For the past year, I’ve volunteered with several organizations on the city’s South and West sides. However, I hadn’t found any that truly aligned with my values until I discovered Covenant...