Candlelight Vigil 2011

The 14th Annual Candlelight Vigil Against Youth Homelessness was a huge success! The chapel was filled with staff, residents, students, volunteers and supporters of all ages to take a stand against homelessness and share in the joys and struggles of the young people served by Covenant House Michigan.

This year’s vigil was co-hosted by Shannon Murphy from Channel 955’s Mojo in the Morning show, and Amy Lang, a reporter with Fox 2 News Detroit, both have been long time supporters of Covenant House. Reverend Qualls, who visits our campus twice a week to mentor our young people, offered a prayer. Stephen Henderson, the keynote speaker and editorial page and opinion editor of the Detroit Free Press, spoke eloquently about the similarities of the City of Detroit’s struggles and the challenges faced by youth on the streets. He spoke of Detroiter’s being tough, and forging ahead in the midst of decades of tough times. He spoke of the bravery that youth who come through our doors have because, “it takes guts to reject the hopelessness and fear that consumes the city, and reach for something better, even if it’s incremental.” He challenged our kids to continue to rise above the challenges they face, and congratulated the attendees for their support of the life-changing work happening at Covenant House.

Randall, a spirited 18-year-old resident from the Caritas Center, spoke honestly about a difficult life growing up in the city where he had to“watch my back even when taking the garbage out.” Randall lost his mother at age three and moved in with his Grandma. Years past and his grandma could no longer take care of him so he was placed in foster care. He spoke of living in a children’s home and going to a program every day where people would come look at him to see if they wanted to take him home. Eventually he was chosen and moved in with a family. Unfortunately, Randall began hanging with the wrong crowd. His parents lost trust in him and when he was 18 they told him that he could no longer live with them and that they were only keeping him because of money. Ashamed to tell anyone he was homeless, he slept in the park and arrived at school early enough to clean up before anyone saw him. He spoke fondly of his arrival at CHM, “When I first got here, I saw all these faces. Though they were homeless, they were smiling and talking. To me that was my inspiration. This place brought my self esteem up. One of the residents told me ‘Everybody has a story, but you can’t let your past determine your future.’” He concluded with a mantra he learned from Mrs. Campbell, a staff member, “See you at the top. Nothing is too hard, you just have to believe and if you put God first in your life, the blessings will flow and doors will open.”

Danielle, a former Covenant House resident shared her feelings about Covenant House. “Coming back here tonight gives me a chance to not only show my gratitude to Covenant House for being a beacon of hope and change, but it also gives me the opportunity to encourage our youth that this is only the beginning.”

Danielle came to Covenant House in 2007. She was forced to choose between bettering her life or finding a second dead end job and continuing to live with her cousin. Danielle chose school and homelessness. She knew the only way she could better herself was to get out of her environment and become educated. Danielle had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. She was told about Covenant House. “They gave me a sense of belonging, a family environment, structure, encouragement and most importantly, love. I didn’t feel like a homeless throw away, I felt like I was given another chance to start over with the necessities I had not been given in life.” Today she is a junior at Wayne State studying special education. She also works at Target and has her own apartment.

Laura, a nine-month resident in the Rights of Passage program read a poem reflecting on her fear and distress and her perception of the other kids she witnessed when she first came to Covenant House.

Grammy nominated R&B artist Kem remarked on the good works of Covenant House and his struggles with homelessness and addiction. Kem hit rock bottom when he awoke one night sleeping outside after breaking shelter rules, and he became determined to clean up his act. Today, Kem headlines national and international tours. By sharing his gift of music, KEM hopes to bring attention to the plight of the homeless and motivate the community to get involved.

Kem knows first-hand about “escaping the grips of the street,” and its hopelessness. He told our young people that their “future starts today. At some point, no matter what abuse or addictions or unfairness you’ve come from, we must become responsible for taking care of ourselves—we are not victims.” He encouraged them to take advantage of the sanctuary Covenant House provides, and to know that blessings are meant to be paid forward. “It may start out about you, but it’s not about you. Blessings are to be shared with others who need them.”

Covenant House Academies’ students Brittany and Charmine lead the Children’s Bill of Rights outside at the bell tower as the 400 hundred supporters lifted candles of hope against youth homelessness. Chris, a resident at Covenant House and student at the CHA recited the vigil prayer. Tours of the campus were led by Jessica, Kevin, Lolanda, Lorenza, Martin, Chris, Michelle and Leanna.

Board of Directors Chair Bill Matthews received a donation check from Dave Vehslage from Verizon Communications for $16,152, as well as Trinity Lutheran School students in Clinton Township for $635.50. He thanked the boards and staff members of Covenant House Michigan and Covenant House Academies, and the many volunteers who made this year’s Vigil possible.

Special thanks to the following businesses for providing the refreshments: Cloverleaf Bar and Grill, Domino’s Pizza, Einstein Bagels of Berkley, Just Baked, Peteet’s Famous Cheesecakes, Irwin Orchards, Shawn Jones Catering, Heritage Bakery, Entenmann’s, Café Con Leche, Gordon Food Service and Our Lady of Fatima.