Mariela left Anchorage to complete an internship in Seoul, South Korea, for her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She never imagined she would return home with a spark that would lead her straight to Covenant House Alaska, but that’s exactly what happened.
While overseas, her professor mentioned Covenant House Alaska and the work we do to support youth experiencing homelessness back in Anchorage. She wanted to know more about her community and how she could lend a helping hand. So, as soon as she returned to Anchorage, she reached out to the team and asked one simple question: “How can I help?”
Mariela was eager to help, in whatever ways were needed. Her first mission was the clothing room. Standing over piles of donated clothing, she sorted through each item with care, searching for the best pieces to wash, dry, and fold for young people who needed them.
“I know the clothes I’m washing, folding, and putting away are the clothes these youth will wear to job interviews,” she says. “So, I want to make sure they look as clean and professional as possible.”
Her attention to the small details is what makes her work the most impactful.
Mariela didn’t stop at the closet. Soon, she was out in the community at churches, coffee shops, anywhere people gathered, posting flyers and helping spread the word about Covenant House Alaska’s work. She became a quiet but steady advocate, connecting others to a mission she genuinely believed in.
Mariela’s volunteerism continued when she also stepped into the world of events, helping decorate for major fundraisers like the Fire and Ice Ball and youth events like the Halloween Zombie Ball. These events are more than just parties; they raise essential funds that keep Covenant House Alaska’s doors open year-round and provide positive, healthy opportunities for young people experiencing homelessness. Though attendees may never know who helped decorate the rooms or tables, Mariela’s touch is woven through every detail.
While much of her work happens behind the scenes, such as sorting clothes, prepping event spaces before guests arrive, or posting flyers on a chilly afternoon, her impact is deeply felt.
“On my one-year anniversary of volunteering, I received a letter from the staff saying thank you and that without volunteers, they wouldn’t be able to accomplish so much,” she says. “That motivated me to continue showing up and giving my time.”
Outside of Covenant House, Mariela is pursuing her master’s degree in social work. She hopes to merge her expertise and experience to keep supporting young people in meaningful ways. One of her biggest goals is to break down the stigma surrounding homelessness and the misconceptions people often have about shelters.
And for her, Covenant House Alaska isn’t just a place to volunteer; it’s somewhere she wants to build her career.
“If this is a place I love volunteering at, it’s definitely a place I would love to work at!” she says.
To learn more about volunteer, go to https://covenanthouseak.org/volunteer/
To learn more about working at Covenant House Alaska, go to https://covenanthouseak.org/careers/