Large In Charge Donates 300 pieces of
clothing
To Covenant House New York City
Shelter for needy youths and young adults
Clothing collected from L.I.C.
Clothing Drive,
celebrating Hip Hop Appreciation
week.
It was 15 years
ago when a young 15 year old Raqui, walked through Covenant House's
doors. Seeking shelter from family difficulties. This is where
Raqui first started her life on her own. Though she now has a good
family life, and the many misunderstandings that brought about her
departure are all a thing of the past. She knows that things
could have been very different if there wasn't a place called
Covenant House, to help her figure out how to make the next step.
Without the security of a permanent place to stay, Covenant House
was a last resource for Raqui. When a young persons life is full of
strife, and they feel unsupported, who do they go to if there parent
or family members don't understand? When a young person has no
where to turn Covenant House helps them figure out if returning home
or moving forward is what needs to be done. The resources that
Covenant House provided Raqui enabled her to move forward and learn
to live life on her own.
So now giving
back to the same establishment that help her seems the best thing to
do. LargeInCharge (L.I.C.) took on this project during Hip Hop
Appreciation week year 2004. Collecting 300 pieces of Baby
clothes, children's clothes, Adult clothing and shoes. All
that was left to do was drop off the items and see what was
new at Covenant House, 15 years can make a big difference.
Now they have a
unit for mothers and there children, They have a GED program
in there facility. Doors are open to youths of all ages, and
young adults 21 and under. They have recreation rooms for the
youths, gathering rooms, living rooms on each dorm floor, art room,
computer room, gym and a chapel which is not strictly catholic
anymore. It celebrates the diversity of the youths who stay at
Covenant House and helps give them a bit of faith again, if they so
need it. Along with a team of counselors, who help youths to
figure out there next step, they also help young adults get the
skills and money needed to go out on there own and start there
lives. It all starts with the necessities, they are able to
have 3 meals a day, a shower and a warm bed. They also have a
Health Facility where residents can be seen by doctors. All
health needs are taken care of for free. They even have a
dentist.
Raqui remembers
how being a large girl made it difficult to get clothing. The
staff at Covenant House were always on the look out for anything
that would fit her. Raqui was grateful for the few shirts they
found her. Which is why clothing is so important for the
youths at Covenant House. Many of the youths who come through the
doors have only the clothing on there back. The Young mothers,
Teenagers and Young Adults need everything from head to toe.
Weather it is everyday wear, under clothing, clothing for mothers
and the small children they have with them, or the proper attire so
that the Young Adults and go on job interviews and have clothing to
go to work in. Covenant House accepts all types of donations.
Recently a young woman was lucky enough to receive a bed that was
donated to Covenant House. She now has a bed for her new
apartment that she is moving into. How the basic things in
life matter to those who don't have anything to start life with.
We encourage
those who can to contribute to Covenant house. In New York
City there is a significant lack of transitional housing for
homeless youth between the ages of 18 and 21. In the entire City,
there are 194 beds for males in this age group, 41% provided by
Covenant House New York. There are only 154 beds for young women not
accompanied by children, 56% provided by Covenant House New York.
There are 62 beds for teen mothers and their children, 68% provided
by Covenant House New York. If we do not support the few
places who give our youth a chance. How do we expect them to live?
Large In Charge
will be holding clothing drives regularly for items that Covenant
House needs most. We hope that you participate in helping us.
If your interested in Volunteering at Covenant House you can call
the above number and find out how to Participate in the Volunteer
program. Please remember our youth and help the programs out
there that support them, when no one else can.
Large In Charge
raqui@largeincharge.com
