Youth Have Freedom to Thrive with Covenant House
The #CHVCatchUp is a monthly series featuring the latest updates and news from Covenant House Vancouver. Miss604 is proud to be the Official Blog Partner of CHV.
Youth Have Freedom to Thrive with Covenant House
Christine’s Story
At 21, Christine (she/they) had never imagined a life outside of her home country of Uganda. But in the wake of political unrest and danger that she’d experienced as a 2SLGBTQAI+ activist, her family decided to visit Canada.
Christine’s arrival in BC was disorienting. Her family initially told her that it was a side trip to wrap up their vacation, but when they arrived they informed her that she’d have to stay behind for her safety — with people she didn’t know.
At first, she was shocked. Then angry. Then afraid. She was stranded with strangers in a foreign country, where even the simplest tasks were unfamiliar and overwhelming. With no legal status, she was completely dependent on her hosts and when that relationship became strained, there was nowhere to go.
Christine heard about Covenant House Vancouver (CHV) from an acquaintance and decided to make her way there. The memory of that day is still vivid: “I was on the train bawling my eyes out, just crying the whole way.” She arrived, drained and distraught. One of the first faces that greeted her was Lesley, a youth worker who would eventually become a trusted ally, who ushered her in the door. Then Christine slept for a week.
In her first days at CHV, Christine was withdrawn and, understandably, distrustful. The staff checked in, but respected boundaries. “I just needed processing and healing space.”
Gradually, she began to open up and make friends. With the support of her social worker, she connected with legal support to begin the federal asylum process, and with local resources for refugees and the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. As time went on, and with further supports, Christine participated in goal-setting exercises, and eventually therapy.
Through community events, cultural experiences, and the simple act of celebrating milestones, Christine also found joy and connection at CHV. “It gave me community vibes, which was nice, and familiar — because we’re very communal where I come from.” Drawing upon the full range of CHV amenities, from meals and clothing to transit tickets, she was able to save her earnings and eventually move into independent housing.
Christine’s time at CHV wasn’t just about survival, it was a rediscovery of self. A lifelong creative, she began to seek outlets for expression, and found opportunities to model, dance, and work in the local film industry, with encouragement from the CHV team. Through career counselling and workshops, she also realized that she had a passion for helping people, and went on to pursue formal training in counselling.
For Christine, CHV was a stepping-stone to a new kind of life, where it’s possible to live openly and without fear: “I didn’t know it at the time, but it was freedom. I was so scared, but I was also so free.”
Today, Christine is thriving. She works as a counsellor and often draws on her personal experiences to support others.
Help More Youth Thrive
According to the 2023 Homeless Count in Greater Vancouver, at least 385 young people, under the age of 25, experience homelessness, on any given night.
The transformative work that Christine did, while at Covenant House Vancouver, never would have happened without the amazing support of the community. Donors are the backbone of the work that CHV does.
Right now, when you support young people, like Christine, your gift will be doubled, thanks to the Wubs Family Foundation, who will match any gift, up to $100,000, but only until June 30th!
Donate today and walk alongside youth as they journey towards a better future.
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