V's Story

For many young people facing homelessness, the road to stability is not a straight line. It’s filled with challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of doubt. For V, this journey has been one of resilience, growth, and the power of partnerships.

V has struggled with multiple mental health diagnoses and, for a long time, resisted any kind of treatment. She had explored different housing avenues, but each path seemed out of reach. When she disclosed her history of sex trafficking and gender-based violence, she became eligible for an assessment through the Coordinated Entry System (CES) run by the Domestic Violence hotline. But like so many others in similar situations, she found herself on a long waitlist, facing high demand and low opportunity.

That’s when Thresholds entered the picture. An organization supporting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges, Thresholds offers various programs, including REACH, a transitional living program under the Building Future Foundations (BFF) initiative. Recognizing V’s need for stable housing with wraparound support, Covenant House Illinois staff member Chloe reached out to Thresholds to see if there were openings.

Chloe introduced the program to V as an option that could provide stability faster than other avenues. But V was hesitant—she worried about the mental health treatment component. Despite this uncertainty, she decided to take a step forward. The team submitted her application in October, and in December, she completed her intake assessment, where she learned more about what the program offered: a two-year transitional living space, a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate, and access to case management, therapy, workforce development, and on-site staff support.

By the end of January, V received the news—she was approved. Her move-in date was set for February 13. But taking that next step wasn’t easy. Overwhelmed by the transition, she ghosted and rescheduled. On February 21, she finally moved in. Thresholds provided her with essentials like a mop, sheets, and even a $150 Instacart order to help her settle into her new space.

Now, V is enrolled in CHIL's aftercare services, receiving ongoing support as she navigates this new chapter. While in the program, she receives a stipend, part of which is placed into a savings account, allowing her to build a small nest egg for the future. She’s also exploring options for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), furthering her journey toward financial stability.

V’s story is a testament to the importance of collaboration. It took the collective efforts of Covenant House Illinois, Thresholds, and the broader network of support services to help her find a place where she felt safe enough to take the next steps. And while success isn’t always measured by immediate independence or permanent housing, V’s progress—however nonlinear—represents a powerful step forward.

For young people like V, stability isn’t just about having a roof over their heads; it’s about finding the right support system, making choices at their own pace, and knowing that they don’t have to navigate it alone.