Youth Spotlight: Amayah

When Amayah first heard about Covenant House Illinois (CHIL), she was looking for a place to feel safe and supported — somewhere she could begin building her future. In July 2024, at 21 years old, she walked through our doors for the first time. Just a few months later, she officially moved into our interim housing program in September, taking the first big step toward stability, thanks to her determination and the support of her case manager, Chloe. "Amayah's journey has not been an easy one, but she remained determined to get housing," Chloe said. "It's been inspiring to watch her grow and keep showing up for herself."

Amayah’s drive has always been clear. In her early days at CHIL, she secured a job at an Amazon warehouse completely on her own. Her work ethic, along with her observant and self-aware nature, made her a natural fit for next steps. When the time came to move forward, CHIL matched her with a longer-term housing opportunity for youth at The Night Ministry. In March 2025, Amayah moved into this new housing program, designed to continue helping young people like her build a solid foundation for their futures.

When asked what keeps her motivated, Amayah doesn’t hesitate: “Keep being consistent, reaching my goals. Keep going and don’t give up.”

Last month, Amayah returned to CHIL to participate in an alumni panel for our staff, where she and three other CHIL alumni shared their experiences. Reflecting on her time with us, she said, “The best part of CHIL is the staff — they’re all here trying to help us. They try to uplift us to do better.” Even now, with her own housing and growing independence, Amayah still comes back to visit. “I feel safe here,” she shared. "It's a welcoming place, somewhere to feel safe."

Throughout her journey, Amayah has leaned on her creativity to stay grounded. Whether through graphic design, fashion, or other artistic pursuits, art has been a lifelong love — and a healthy way for her to work through challenges. She’s currently working toward going back to school to sharpen her skills and pursue her passion for creative activities.