I was sent here my junior year of high school. I'd just turned 18, had an abusive ultra orthodox…read moreMuslim mother and father, no where to go. My high school and APS sent me here so that I'd have a safe place to live while I finish my last year's of high school and hopefully go to pursue college etc. I had a fallout with staff because what they do does not reflect what they say. They tell everyone to work, save, go to school, actively apply to housing. All very good things. The problem is you can do all that and more and still get crapped on. The last time I was there was my second time back. I didn't have anywhere to go, no family, no friends. I was confident to make it my last time at a shelter. This time around I was ready to get back to college. My college application was intitally denied due to lack of funds. After months of writing letters and making phone calls between advisors and the board Henry Ford Community College forgave my debt with consideration to my circumstances; it was settled. I was going back to college to pursue my lifelong dream of being an architect. In the beginning Covenant staff were happy for me and I was determined not to let them down. I'd just started the semester and already the problems had begun. The staff made a big deal about me not being at the shelter all the time. I was a full time student where else would I be. They made a big deal about me studying at my school's library and using after school tutors, resources etc. They don't have that at Covenant House much less an open computer room. I tried studying amongst the other residents on the basketball course as to please staff but that proved ineffective. The residents are usually concentrated in one place so staff can watch us all at the same time. There was also an issue of me skipping out on a couple of AA meetings. Mind you there are meetings every other day. There are only so many meetings that fit my class schedule. Not everyone that is at Covenant House is an addict. There are more efficient ways to get addicts help than the current system in place. There were many nights that I got kicked out while I was there. I'd sleep outside in my car next to the gaurd because a staff member didn't like me or felt that I was speaking out of place simply because the house schedule came first. Between classes, sleeping in my car one day and back in the shelter the next. I left. I slept in my car that winter and withdrew from my classes. I'd rather a shelter tell me that they can't outright help me than go through that abuse again. They move us around like mindless cattle lecturing us about how bad we are and how we need to change but when we go out and get a job we are punished for doing so. Whoever is running Cove should be arrested for the bs donations they take from good people. Their system is designed to exploit homeless youth who unlike the majority of people don't have many options but to put up with it. Rumor is they need to kick residents out asap to get more donations out of each bed. The residents that come to Cove are brave ambitious people that have made a lot of sacrifices to be where they are at in life. They're not homeless because they're lazy addicts leeching off the system. They want good financial advice, they want a chance to build their own families, careers and homes. Most of us come from families that leveraged their abuse over our minds, our bodies and our shelter. To come from a bad place and to endeavor a world that can be just as cruel, time and time again is hard. Fighting for a type of freedom that you've never had the privilege of living is having faith in something bigger than yourself. It's tough and those that live it know that however bad things get whatever we've left behind is worse. The real leeches are the people in charge of this place. Look up Bruce Ritter, the evidence is there. Shout out to Mr. Simpson, the most caring staff with a heart of gold and Mr. G, for always finding the humor and light in the worst of situations. Thank you

If you've never heard of Covenant House, shame on you. This international non-profit has 21…read morefacilities in the US as well as Guatemala. The Covenant House, opening its first doors in 1963 provides shelter and other services to homeless, runaway, and throwaway teens with no questions ask. The intentions of this wonder of a non-profit is to rehabilitate youth so that they may become productive and health adults. Located on Martin Luther King Blvd, Covenant House of Detroit has a gorgeous facility including on campus living facility for a number of young kids. In addition to food and clothing covenant house also provides health care service and substance abuse assistance in the facility. Also, they have a 24 hour hotline for teens desperate and need of help. As a former employee of another non-profit organization i became familiar with the wonderful work that takes place at Covenant House. So, if you're workplace is looking to support a worthy cause or you're looking to volunteer some time check out Covenant House on their website.

The name says it all. Alternative For Girls, a non-profit in Detroit, offers just that for high…read morerisk and homeless young women. Located on W. Grand Boulevard by the New Center area and open since 1987 AFG offers local young girls and women educational support, vocational guidance, mentoring and counseling in short. In addition, AFG also provide needed shelter to young girls who were once hopeless, aged 16-21. This fantastic non profit is offering hope and choices to girls who were hopeless. They also offer prevention programs for high risk youth including homeless women. At night staff and volunteers patrol the streets of Detroit handing out prevention packets to those in need. For more info check out their website for specifics, volunteer opportunities and history of the non-profit.

AFG is one of Detroit's secret miracles. Their staff goes out of their way to provide empowerment,…read moreoptions, resources, and even shelter to women and girls who often have nothing prior to connecting with AFG. They even drive the streets looking for women and girls who may want safety information, prevention materials, or even just a friendly ear. Alternatives For Girls deals HOPE. I cannot say enough about them. They are amazing. If you are in need of assistance, call them: 313-361-4000