Covenant House Alaska Staff: First Responders to COVID-19

Kendalyn Mckisick Events

Keeping 140 vulnerable adolescents hunkered down with 6 feet between them at all times is not an easy task. Our staff have become first responders to COVID-19, protecting our most vulnerable population while also protecting others in our beloved community. Keeping youth from exposure and keeping them informed is a matter of life and death; “although young people don’t usually die from this virus, you can save others who do have a higher risk of dying by staying inside and avoiding contact with others,” staff remind youth every day.

Our youth are not experiencing the outcomes of COVID-19 in the same way that other young people are, because they are also experiencing the personal crisis of homelessness. As they struggle to adapt to this new way of life, we recognize the importance of providing shelter and a healthy environment to keep them inside as much as possible. To do so and flatten the curve, all hands are on deck, though some hands are from a distance. One frontline staff shared their feelings about their experience during this time, “everyone is screened upon entering the building and we keep them inside unless it is absolutely necessary that they go out, but like many young people, our youth haven’t really understood the severity of the virus. That is one of the scariest things about coming in to the building to work each day. As much as we wish we could make them stay inside at all times, it is just unrealistic—they have jobs and errands to take care.”

One fear youth have right now is not being able to see or get in touch with their families—this has been especially difficult for youth whose families are also homeless. They’ve had more difficulty in maintaining employment because of the closure of the bus line, while those looking for employment have been limited to finding something within walking distance. They’ve had limited connection to others—normally, the building is bustling with admin staff, mentors, donors, and warm volunteers who come in to support youth with a variety of offerings, such as therapy dogs, regular art classes, birthday celebrations, guided meditation, music lessons, hot soup, clothing, conversation, and more. But lately, it is quiet because those people are no longer entering the building. Except for a skeletal group of direct care staff and residents, it has been empty. Staff and youth are relying on themselves and each other.

Staff are working hard to fill the big holes that are being felt in the absence of outside community supporters. Looking on the brighter side of things, one youth said “now that I can’t go to the mall to hang out with friends or go to the movies or even see my friends at school, I have realized that there actually are fun staff and other residents to hang out with in the building. I used to think I had to get out of the building to have a good time and be around friends, but now I see that I have friends all around me at Covey.” Earlier this week, youth got together to make crafts to show gratitude to staff. One youth drew flowers and hearts around a message saying, “Thank you 4 not forgetting us, we love you!” Many youth have mentioned how thankful they are that Covey’s doors are still open to those needing shelter in a time where no one else is welcoming in strangers, and have even noticed staff being more attentive to their needs.

Like many other organizations in the community, we are facing an unprecedented and unusual situation. And we’ve grappled with a number of questions: How do you manage this many youth in one place, contending with each individual’s needs and desires? How do you keep them happy and feeling hopeful for the future? How do you show them the love they need to get through this situation while they also work to overcome other obstacles? How do you let them know that they will be ok?

When we look at what our staff do to keep our youth calm and safe, we see a tremendous effort and relentless passion. They have multiplied outreach efforts to retrieve youth from outdoor camps and congregational areas where physical distancing is impossible and safety gear is not available. They have helped engage youth with activities like group workout routines, tie dying t-shirts, playing games, and making TikTok videos. They are providing meals to youth who do not live on site by implementing a food service grab-and-go pick-up through the café door at our youth engagement center. They have continued to coordinate education and employment for youth by providing learning activities in the computer lab and they have coordinated homework delivery systems with ASD that work well for youth who are in school. They have made themselves available to cover shifts ranging over a 24-hour period every single day of the week. Our doors have not once closed, our soup pot has not once gone empty, and every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) continues to be provided each day.

Staff continue to show up to keep youth safe, healthy, and entertained, even if it means leaving their own families and putting themselves at risk. Back at home, they are missing out on hugs from their own children just in case they might have been exposed to coronavirus at work, to ensure their children’s safety. They are shifting their schedules as needed, working overnights even though they usually work day shifts. While they watch the majority of people around the world stay home, they show up each day with their masks on, ready to care for 140 youth each day, while also helping each other. Stop and consider that our front line staff have been coming to work every day, to be sure youth in our community continue to have a safe place to sleep, food to eat, and access to a shower & clean clothes. Please help us continue our work. Give what you can at www.coveycares.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mentor Mary Michaelsen

Kendalyn Mckisick Events, Mentor

Mary and her mentee, Zee, making mac&cheese at Rights of Passage.

It was Christmas time of 2018 when Mary first came into Covenant House Alaska’s Youth Engagement Center. It was an Adopt-A-Day event with her company, Wells Fargo; they served lunch and played fun games with youth and staff. During this event, Mary was able to sit down and talk with the youth as well as the staff. She learned about some of CHA’s other programs and volunteer opportunities—one being the mentorship program at Rights of Passage. It was shortly after that event she submitted a mentor application. She began her mentorship in March of 2019.

When asked why she wanted to become a Rights of Passage mentor, she replied, “I have 2 little sisters, one is 13 and the other is 22, who still live back in the Midwest. I’m still really close with them and teach them a lot of things young people need to know and I’m always there if they need to talk. When I realized that the young people at Covenant House and ROP are lacking that relationship, it made me want to step in; all kids need—and should have—that relationship.” Rights of Passage mentors commit to 2 years of service in that role, in which they attend monthly group outings with ROP residents and staff while also consistently supporting an individual youth they are matched with. Part of the support that mentors are expected to provide to their mentee is sharing knowledge and expertise with youth, that will give them applicable skills as they transition to independent living. As a financial education expert, Mary was able to give her mentee tips on money management—everything from credit establishment, investing, and budgeting. Mary’s engagement in her work and love for her community has recently gained her the honor of becoming part of the 2020 class of Top 40 Under 40; this group of individuals are recognized as the top professionals in the state who have demonstrated not only excellence in their field but a deep commitment to their community. 

Mary’s mentee, Zee, recently moved out on her own and is living alone in her own apartment—Zee says it feels really great to be able to have her own place and make it her own. During the time they spent together over the past year, Mary was able to see Zee through some great milestones: Because Zee’s favorite food is wings, Mary took her out to celebrate her birthday at Wing Stop; it was Zee’s first time going to Wing Stop and now she LOVES going there. Mary was also able witness Zee’s excitement and to wish her and her family congratulations when Zee’s sister gave birth to a healthy baby. Another favorite moment of Mary’s was actually one of the first times she and Zee had ever hung out. She went with Zee to an art gallery downtown to help her hang her art up for a First Friday event, “Zee is such an amazing artist. She was very excited to finally be able to show her work in a gallery. It was just so nice to be there and see her in that environment. The gallery owners were so impressed and pleased with how much work and care she had put into it.”

So far in her mentorship experience, she has appreciated the activities facilitated by Rights of Passage staff because they are a great way for mentors to really get to know the youth, “they have had quite a bit of fun stuff that I’ve been able to go to. Just to name a few, they’ve had a retreat, a camping trip, and actually, my very first activity was an outing to Dave & Busters. It didn’t even feel like I was volunteering because it was just so much fun. We even broke into teams and competed. It brought me back to being a kid. It just felt like I was hanging out.” Another thing that Mary really appreciated throughout the year were the classes that Covenant House Alaska hosted to learn more about at-risk youth. Mary took a day off work to attend an all-day class for volunteers and staff on Youth Mental Health and First-Aid. She loved it because she learned a lot of helpful information, but also because she got to hear the perspectives of people who work with the youth every day, “seeing everyone who works at Covenant House and how passionate they are is amazing. Just being able to be a part of that is very rewarding for me.”

Mary has just recently completed her first year as a mentor and is looking forward to her second year. In reflection, she says, “Being a mentor requires me to put myself out there while also letting it be on the youth’s time. It takes time to build those relationships; sometimes mentors may not even be paired with a youth for the first year or so, just depending on whether or not they click with anyone. I’m glad I was matched with a youth quickly. Overall, I feel like I’m still pretty new and there’s a lot more to be involved with. There’s a deeper level of engagement that can be done.” Emily Weimer, an ROP staff, is impressed by Mary’s ability to connect with youth and appreciates the influence she has had, “Mary is very outgoing and open. She encouraged one young lady to go outside who had never really gone out before. She also showed her mentee, who was ensconced in street culture, that there was much more to Alaska than that. Mary has a creative heart and a strong spirit. She has shown tremendous follow-through that has made a great impression on youth.”

How to Tend the Garden When You Can’t Volunteer.

Kendalyn Mckisick Events, Volunteer Stories

With the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to our community, we know that many people  feel compelled to help in any way they can to flatten the curve and to assist people who need it most right now. It has been amazing to see the quick response of people in our community—and across the nation—stepping up to help in any way they can. Many others are still searching for ways to help while maintaining safety.

Here are some things you can do to support us and other organizations in safe, effective ways:

  1. Ask 10 friends to like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @covenanthouseak.

2. Participate in our “Happiness Is…” project on Instagram stories.

3. Share your favorite Covenant House Alaska story/memory with us by  direct message on Facebook or by email: development@covenanthouseak.org (subject line:  FAVORITE STORY)

4. Read some stories on our blog page and then leave thoughtful questions or comments.

5. Arrange a food delivery by contacting development@covenanthouseak.org.

6. Learn about other organizations in our community helping to serve others, like Food Bank of Alaska, Beans Café, Brother Francis Shelter, AWAIC, Seeds of Change, St. Francis House Food Pantry, Downtown Soup Kitchen Hope Center, and Grow North Farm.

7. Draw an image of spring or hope and share it with us on social media by tagging @covenanthouseak

8. Write notes of encouragement to our youth and staff. Mail them to: Covenant House Alaska, Attention: Carlette Mack, 755 A St. Anchorage, Alaska 99501

9. Shop our wish list on Amazon 

10. Go to www.coveycares.org to make a donation online.

We feel so blessed to be part of a community that invests so much care in our youth and in other organizations who share our values. To us, happiness is serving Anchorage’s most vulnerable population—especially during this difficult and uncertain time when we don’t know what tomorrow holds.

Volunteer Spotlight: Cultivating the Mind with Bhante Suyama

Kendalyn Mckisick Events, Volunteer Stories

Bhante has lived in Anchorage for two years now, where all of his time is spent volunteering. He reaches out to organizations throughout the community who could potentially benefit from participating in guided meditation. On Tuesdays, he volunteers at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center; there, he teaches a class called “Evolved Thinking”. Earlier this month, he began teaching meditation at Anchorage Pioneer House.

Bhante began volunteering at Rights of Passage (ROP) in June of 2019 offering guided meditation on Thursday evenings. For many of the ROP youth, this has been their introduction to meditation. Eric Ditzler, ROP evening staff, attends the mediation sessions with youth and comments, “over the past 10 months, I have really seen a difference in the way youth behave. They are calmer and seem to think more clearly about issues they are facing. The youth look forward to meditation every week”.

When asked about his experience interacting with ROP youth, he said:

“The youth are not unlike the youth who would come to temple in Sri Lanka. What I see in their eyes is a desire to help themselves and they are looking for something to guide them. What I teach is not so much a religious foundation or spiritual one, but my task is to encourage them. Whatever happens in their life, I’m there for them. Some of them like to ask me questions and several of them are there weekly when they can be. In my practice we have a saying, “gradual training, gradual progress.” I just want to inspire and encourage them to develop their own path through life. “Find time for me” is something I always tell the kids—we are so conditioned in this world, from the moment we are born to come out of our selves. I encourage the youth to just find time for themselves, whether it be through silent reflection at the end of the day, journaling, or going for a walk.”

Bhante is very appreciative of being able to provide tools that the youth can take and utilize in their daily lives and finds it very rewarding. He believes firmly in the saying “do your best and without expectation.” He says he has a lot of optimism for the youth’s futures because, even though they are in a difficult time of their lives, it’s a great age to show support and provide a positive outlet and relationship.

About Bhante

Bhante was raised in Illinois, where he attended a Buddhist temple. After years of practice, Bhante began his monkhood, moving to Sri Lanka to practice and become a monk. He moved into monastic life 7 years ago, “I made meditation practice part of my daily life and then eventually everything in my life formed around the meditation. It was a very slow process that sort of revealed itself over time.”

When Bhante isn’t guiding others through meditation, he likes to journal. He says it is a way for him to see his evolution and how he changes—to see his impermanence—and reminds him to be open to change and new things. He is interested in astrophysics and cosmos and loves learning about science, astronomy, and history. To do so, he checks a lot of books out from the library on the subjects. He also enjoys visiting local arts shows to see the talent in Anchorage.

COVID-19 Update from Covenant House Alaska

Kendalyn Mckisick Impact Updates

At Covenant House Alaska, our commitment to our mission is only increased during uncertain times such as these.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the unique risks that youth experiencing homelessness are facing right now:

-Every young person who walks through our doors, simply by nature of needing to be here, has already experienced trauma. Uncertainty like what we are all dealing with right now exacerbates this for them.

-Sleeping outside or in crowded shelters makes youth more vulnerable to infections like flu, colds and other serious health conditions.

-Young people need a consistent, nutritious diet to help them stay healthy, which is unavailable to youth experiencing homelessness.

-Our youth are, after all, still young and still growing. That means physically, psychologically, emotionally, and cognitively, it is very important to mitigate the kinds of traumatic experiences that can complicate this crucial growth.

What we’re doing:

-We are monitoring the research and recommendations from the CDC, Covenant House International, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention, and our local and state governments.

-We are maintaining a stock of emergency supplies (we Alaskans know about earthquakes, after all) that will last several weeks including food, linens, hand sanitizers, cleaning materials, medicines, and more.

-In addition to our regular cleaning processes, we are making sure our staff communicate best practices on handwashing, ‘covering your cough’ and keeping our space as clean as possible to youth on a daily basis.

-We will rely on our own staff to continue essential services.

-We have offered training for our administrative staff, who do not have direct care experience, so that if necessary they are able and comfortable to step in and support our frontline coworkers.

-Our Emergency Plan includes remote work where possible, minimal staffing (essential personnel only), and cancellation of all work travel, whether international or domestic.

-We have revised our youth intake process to include recommended screening questions to better determine exposure.

-If a youth presents with symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed or is symptomatic, they will be isolated while our staff follows the direction of local healthcare partners.

-Just as importantly, we are going to maintain good spirits for our youth who are feeling so uncertain. We are fortunate to have a number of characters among our staff, including our Senior Program Officer who has now recorded six (quite silly) cover songs originally by artists from The Police to Nirvana on good handwashing and self-quarantining practices.

What YOU can do:

We love our volunteers, and visitors from our community who drop off donations. But, for the time being, our policy is that only staff enter the building, with the exception of a few volunteer activities that are already slated. We are not on-boarding any new volunteers at this time, and we ask that donations, including soup, not be brought to our programs.

However, we do still need your support and there are still items our youth need on a daily basis. If you would like to support us during these uncertain times, you can make a cash donation here on our website, or find our Amazon Wishlist here and order items to be delivered to us.

We are so grateful to our community for supporting us so we can support our youth, most especially when times are scary for them and uncertain for all of us. Thank you for everything. Be safe, Alaska!

A Letter from our Executive Director, Alison Kear

Kendalyn Mckisick Impact Updates

To our Covenant House Alaska family, donors, and supporters,

We are thinking of you and your loved ones, and all who have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the still-unfolding ramifications our communities are facing in response.

Like other agencies around the country, Covenant House Alaska is taking steps to help prevent the spread of the virus while doing everything we can to support the health, safety and well-being of our youth, staff, and volunteers.

We are asking that our community members not visit our programs at this time and, in lieu of tangible donation items you might typically bring, consider a cash donation instead or a purchase from our Amazon Wishlist that can be sent directly to our shelter.

Our dedication to serving youth experiencing homelessness is only reinforced by these unprecedented circumstances. The best wisdom I have heard so far is that we should take this opportunity to slow way down, take care of ourselves and each other (from a distance, in many cases) and above all, to practice calm and kindness. When we come out the other side of this, it will be with a new perspective–a new appreciation for our support systems, families and all the people who love us.

Many youth come to Covenant House Alaska precisely because these support systems are not present in their lives. Our mission and privilege is to be there for them, as we know they will someday be there for others. Due to school and work closures, many of our youth are feeling a sense of uncertainty that’s extra scary for a young person who has had little control or routine in their early lives. We are doing our best to be a source of consistency and strength and your support means more now than ever in allowing our direct care staff to keep our youth safe and healthy.

Be good to one another, and thank you for always holding our youth in your hearts.

Alison Kear

Tend To The Garden You Can Touch

Kendalyn Mckisick Events

Janet Weiss receiving the Trautner Award for Philanthropic Service.

Cornerstone Sponsor Spotlight

BP is a company that strives to enrich the communities in which they operate. Behind this well-known company are individuals who commit to this goal and invest care in tending their communities. BP began operating in Alaska 60 years ago, and their commitment is visible throughout the state.

Did you know that BP has invested over $1 million in the youth at Covenant House Alaska? Janet Weiss, BP Alaska President, cares so much about the future of Anchorage’s youth that she once shaved her head to raise money for Covenant House Alaska. For the past 7 years, Janet has served as a CHA board member and has been an active and essential supporter of the organization’s mission. Janet has run donation drives, encouraged service of her family and friends, served meals to staff and youth on Christmas morning, hosted fundraising dinners, and slept outside in the cold (3 times!) as a Sleep Out: Executive Edition Champion. Her persistent support and creativity earned her the Trautner Award for Philanthropic Service at the 2020 Covenant House Alaska Fire & Ice Ball.

We are also grateful to several other individuals and groups who have volunteered from BP. One of the most notable and current is Amy McKenzie, who is a Rights of Passage mentor. As a mentor, she commits to providing a positive and healthy adult mentorship to a youth for a minimum of two years. Youth in this program are learning to live independently in order to transition to their own apartments where they support themselves. Not only does Amy serve in this mentor role, she also makes herself available for other needs. She always agrees to help in any way she can, and with absolute enthusiasm.

These contributions are huge to the work done at Covenant House Alaska and to the hundreds of youth who use CHA’s services. From building the BP energy center, to recognizing outstanding teachers and students through education awards, the contributions BP makes to multiple organizations and individuals are essential to creating the colorful, vibrant, and strong communities here in the state that we call home.

If your organization is interested in learning more about partnering with Covenant House Alaska or becoming a Cornerstone Sponsor, please contact development@covenanthouseak.org.

how to donate to Covenant House Alaska.

Kendalyn Mckisick Events

Following are answers to questions that we are asked about donations on a regular basis. We want to provide answers to all of our frequently asked questions in one place for quick and easy access. The answers will shed light on the donation process here at Covey:

Where do I drop off my donation items?

At our main building at 755 A Street. The entrance is in the alley. Bring your items in through both sets of double doors. Our staff will provide you with a donation receipt at the front desk.

Please put new items in a separate bag and indicate those items to staff.

What time of day can I bring in donations?

You can bring in donations any time—we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Someone will always be at the front desk.

What type of clothing items can I bring in to donate that would be useful to CHA youth?

Hoodies (zip up and pullover styles), sweat pants, plain t-shirts, leggings, pajamas, sweaters, and practical footwear like sneakers or black shoes. During colder months, we need items like scarves, gloves, coats, snow boots, and thermal under garments. All clothing items need to be new or gently used and freshly laundered. We cannot accept worn out, stained or unwashed items.

NOTE: When deciding what clothing to bring, keep in mind that many of our youth are walking or taking the bus everywhere they need to go, so certain items are less practical including high heels, open toed shoes, etc. They could use ankle high or knee high boots or sneakers. As well, many of our youth are getting their first jobs ever, often in the service industry, so we frequently have asks for black pants or skirts, black long sleeve button-up shirts, and comfortable black shoes.

Do you need undergarments?

YES PLEASE! New undergarments only including panties, boxers/briefs, bras, and socks.

What is your most needed item?

Year round it is sweat pants, T-shirts, and underwear! In winter it is soup and hats.

I’m selling my storage shed—can I bring everything in it to CHA?

NO. Please be selective when choosing items to bring to our shelter. We do not have extra storage and not everything you find in your storage shed will be useful to us. We recommend sorting through your items and bringing what is outlined here: https://covenanthouseak.org/support-us/#give-stuff .

You may choose to donate your items that don’t fall into those guidelines to Goodwill or another charity of your choice that your items might benefit. You may consider calling Big Brothers Big Sisters to pick up items for your residence if you are unable to transport them. Be sure to check what they are able to take.

Can I bring in home decor items?

NO. Thank you.

Can I bring in books, CDs or DVDs?

NO. Please take all of these items to Title Wave Booksellers and then donate your credit earned to Covenant House Alaska’s account.

Can you pick up my items?

NO. We are not able to pick up your items. You may consider calling Big Brothers Big Sisters to pick up items for your residence if you are unable to transport them. Be sure to check what they are able to take.

I’m cleaning out my bathroom cabinets and found a bunch of half used hair products. Can you use them?

NO. Only bring in NEW hygiene products. Items we take all the time: new full sized and trial sized lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, hair ties, nail clippers, nail polish, and chap stick.

Can you use baby clothes?

YES. These clothes can be used at Passage House, our program for pregnant and parenting mothers.

NOTE: we are not able to accept or store large baby items like cribs, car seats, and changing tables.

Can I do a donation drive for Covenant House Alaska?

YES. You are welcome to run a donation drive at your school, church, office, or with friends. If you would like to discuss your ideas for a donation drive further, contact the Development Team at development@covenanthouseak.org

Can I donate non-perishable food items?

YES. Cans of soup, canned vegetables, fresh produce, cereals, unopened packaged and sealed snacks are acceptable food items to donate.

Can I donate soup that I’ve cooked at home?

YES. It must be frozen.

What is the best way to transport soup that I’ve made at home to Covenant House Alaska?

Fill gallon sized Ziploc bags with soup that have been cooled to room temperature and freeze overnight in order to transport easily and mess-free. This also allows us to easily warm it up.

NOTE: Please do not bring soup in a container that you wish to have returned.

Can I bring in my old wallet, backpack, or purse?

YES! If it is still fully functional and in good condition (no holes or tears), we will take it. We also take new wallets, backpacks, and purses to use for birthdays and Christmas gifts.

Can I donate a bike?

YES but ONLY in late spring/early summer and ONLY if the bike is fully functional and ride-ready at the time of donation.

Do you take linens and towels?

YES. New or gently used and freshly laundered twin sized, fitted and regular sheets. We also take bath towels and washcloths.

NOTE: even youth who are not in residence at Covey are able to come in for a hot shower and/or nap in our drop in center.

Am I able to fulfill a single youth’s Christmas needs during the holiday season?

YES. You can adopt as many Christmas lists as you would like. To adopt a Christmas list, contact the Development Team development@covenanthouseak.org

Are you able to use bus passes?

YES! Many of our youth rely on the bus to get to school or to their jobs. The passes are important to maintaining day to day life.

Can I donate gift cards?

YES! We accept gift cards to Target, Walmart, fast food restaurants, fandango or Cinemark movie vouchers, and VISA gift cards.

Can I still donate if I am not able to physically come to the shelter?

YES! You can shop our Amazon Wish list and get things delivered to our shelter. Our wish list is here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/59NOGBFRB0QJ/ref=cm_go_nav_hz (we have a summer, fall, and winter wish list, navigate to the season you wish to purchase for)

You can also see what items we need from viewing the wish list and then order from a cheaper vendor; we have previously had someone order the items from Walmart.com for this reason. Just type in our address for delivery (755 A St, Anchorage AK, 99501) and address it to Covenant House Development Team.

Can I donate larger item of great value?

Please contact the Development Team to discuss the item and if it can be used to benefit CHA youth! development@covenanthouseak.org

For all further questions regarding donations, call 907-272-1255 and ask for the Development Team.

Proof That Anything Is Possible—Meet Our Friend, Chuol

Aurora Ford Impact Updates

Our Grant and Communications Writer got a chance to go visit Chuol, one of our program graduates, at his newly purchased house and to help tell his story.

I’d heard a lot about Chuol from my co-workers here at Covenant House Alaska before I ever met him—the ones who’ve known him since he first enrolled in our Rights of Passage program (ROP) and came to live at the Dena’ina House two years ago. I was curious about the young Sudanese immigrant whose name brings waves of warmth and pride across the faces of even my toughest friends.

They all spoke of his unshakable patience, his amazing work ethic, his humility, his refusal to say an unkind word about anyone, for any reason. I tagged along with Heidi Huppert, Covey’s Director of Housing, to go visit Chuol at his new house—the one he just closed on at the ripe old age of 22.

There are Tibetan prayer flags hanging over the front gate to his yard, and inside is impeccably clean, with artwork of African landscapes and simple furnishings. Chuol greeted us in a crisp, blue button-down shirt and slacks, as he was preparing to leave for work once we were done talking. He is soft-spoken and shy, but also confident and determined. It took all of five minutes for me to recognize his depth of kindness, his good soul, and wisdom far beyond his years.

“When I was a little kid,” Chuol told me, “I was playing in the river in South Sudan, where I was born, and I was bitten by a snake. My leg had to be amputated below the knee.” This was part of the reason he went to boarding school in Nairobi when he was five years old, as it was a facility and a city in which he had a better shot at an education and could get around more easily on a prosthesis. “When I finished high school in 2016, I couldn’t go home to Sudan because of the conflict going on there. My Kenyan teachers told me I should go to the U.S.”

Heidi asked Chuol about the two 8×10 framed photos sitting on the coffee table in the middle of the room, of a small village made up of seven or eight wide, cone-shaped grass huts and a few dozen cows. As he talked, the significance of their placement became clear—not on a wall, or elsewise situated around the living room where one might normally place photos of that size, but as the very centerpiece of his first home.

“These pictures are from a woman who came from South Sudan where my family lives, she brought them to me. She met my mom,” he said, looking down for a moment at his hands. “It’s been almost 17 years since I saw her and my sisters.”

Chuol wasn’t able to go back to Sudan at all before immigrating to Alaska given the severity of the on-going war there and, until recently, as there is no mail or phone service in the rural area where he was born, he was not sure that his mother or sisters were alive. The woman who brought him the photos also brought him his first news that his family is alive and well.

“It’s a long journey and I don’t know when can happen,” he says, “but, I will make a way to see them.”

“When I first came to Anchorage through a Catholic Social Services refugee program,” he tells us, “I moved into a house with other refugees and lived there for 8 months, but then my roommates moved out of the state and I was on my own. My boss at NineStar, where I worked then, told me about Covenant House and helped me do an application for the ROP program, and I was accepted and moved in on May 31st 2017. I liked ROP right away. Because of boarding school, I was used to living with lots of kids, so that wasn’t hard for me.”

Chuol started applying for jobs right away after moving into ROP. He doesn’t have a car, but got a bicycle through the program and found not one, but two jobs, which he still has, at Walmart and at Fire Island Bakery. He saved every penny he possibly could over the course of his time at ROP, and was very careful with his spending. Heidi told me Chuol use to hand wash his clothes and then hang them to dry so that he didn’t have to use quarters to do laundry.

One day, she was reviewing his bank statements—a requirement at ROP, where you have to be actively employed or job hunting, and paying a proportionate amount of rent each month as practice for independent living. When she saw the total Chuol had accumulated in his savings account she thought, “Oh wow, this kid is going to buy a house!”

Turns out, she was right. “A Cook Inlet Housing program helped me to buy this house,” he says. “Once I saved a certain amount of money, which I had to do over a length of time—6 months—to show that I was able to maintain my savings, they matched it with enough money to cover the closing costs.”

Eileen Wright, Chuol’s Permanency Navigator through Covenant House’s Housing Program took him to every appointment and signing during the home loan process, which is an overwhelming ordeal for anyone of any age.

“I am very proud,” Chuol said, smiling shyly. “Everyone at ROP helped me to do this. They helped me find programs that I qualified for, and one of my caseworker’s friends helped me with the real estate process. I don’t think without Heidi, Eileen, ROP and my mentor I would have been able to do this, and to be where I am today,” Chuol says. “I just want other young people who are struggling to know, you don’t have to give up. There are places that will help you.”

At the same time he was closing on the house, he was also finishing his GED and English classes, while working both his jobs. “It was really hard. I failed the English test three times before I finally passed, and there were times when I was studying that I was really frustrated, but I always went back to the drawing board. Jen [an ROP Caseworker] helped me a lot. I would just tell myself not to give up. And that’s what I would say to other young people who become homeless—I would tell them that they shouldn’t feel like homelessness is the end of their lives, that they shouldn’t lose hope. You always have hope, as long as you’re still alive, as long as you’re working toward something. I never felt hopeless. I just stayed busy, and was patient. You just have to take things step by step. ”

When we asked what he would say to people who might think he’s too young to be a homeowner already, he told us, “I wouldn’t agree with them. It doesn’t matter how old you are. I work hard, why would I pay rent until I’m 30? I like working—to me it’s a privilege, and I feel like this is my time to do everything I can, while I’m still young. I just hope my story will inspire people.”

Chuol is going to do big things, of that we are sure. Each step he is taking in his life now is toward his larger goal, of being able to help others the way people in our community stepped up to help him. “I’m going to college to study politics, to learn how the government functions so that I can do human rights work someday. English is my third language, and I speak Arabic and Swahili, so I can help people to talk.”

“I like living by myself, though it is a big change, I want to plant a garden, and grow sunflowers by my front door. But I’ll be back to ROP to visit a lot. I still call it home. I like to make dinner and hang out with the other kids there. At ‘home’, we all come from different backgrounds, different families, I like that. And I love Alaska! I would say it’s my favorite place. I love the snow and I’ve made myself a family here. Also, there are very few bugs, and no snakes!”

An End in Sight: Covenant House Alaska’s Trafficking Victim Assistance & Prevention Plan

Kendalyn Mckisick Impact Updates

Sex trafficking is an all too common and prevalent problem that takes place every day in our communities. Every day at Covenant House Alaska, we are encountering young people who have either become a victim of trafficking crimes, or they have at least come into contact with people who are, or have been, involved in trafficking.

“Human trafficking is undoubtedly one of the most horrific crimes and is unfortunately happening in all corners of the state. It’s the second fastest growing crime on Alaska soil—happening in plain sight.”

–       Senator Lisa Murkowski

In December of 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded Covenant House Alaska with two grants totaling $950,000. These grants were given to enhance the capabilities of local efforts to reduce crime and victimization, protect children, and promote public safety. We have been working for years with trafficking survivors and spreading awareness on the issue to others throughout Anchorage. After attending several national conferences and learning about how trafficking happens throughout Alaska, we have put a plan in place in order to directly assist minor victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“This funding from the Department of Justice is important news for Covenant House Alaska as we continue working to help victims of sex trafficking. One of our highest priorities is to ensure that Alaska’s children are free from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. This grant will help us continue to meet these priorities well into the future and we are grateful to the Department of Justice and all who were involved in securing this grant. We are not alone in this fight. We look forward to continuing our work alongside Priceless, the Alaska Native Justice Center, and the Alaska Congressional Delegation to ensure that Alaska’s children are safe, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

–       Alison E. Kear, Chief Executive Officer of Covenant House Alaska

The grants will fund two projects:

1)     Anchorage Minor Victims of Trafficking Service Coordination Project

$500,000 over 3 years

This project continues the work of the Anchorage Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking project funded by the federal Administration for Children & Families, which served 122 trafficking victims in 2018. The target population for this project is minors, though they can continue to receive services through the program after their 18th birthday. The project includes hiring a Trafficking Navigator—a Permanency Navigator trained to specifically work with trafficking victims—to provide relationship-based case management and continue community coordination and referrals for victims. The project will also include partner organizations who will provide case management services to clients.

2)   Covenant House Alaska Trafficking Navigator Project

       $450,000 over 3 years

This project will serve an estimated 20 victims of trafficking per year (a total of 60 over the grant period). Included in this project will be hiring and training a separate Trafficking Navigator who will focus on minors but is not restricted to only working with minors, partnering with Priceless to adapt their existing mentorship program into an age-appropriate program for minors, and recruiting and training about 120 mentors over the grant period. Each youth will be assigned a Trafficking Navigator and 2-person mentor team.

The navigator is critical to our success in managing victim relationships and our ability to help people in this situation. The Trafficking Navigator will be able to direct specialized interventions for them including appropriate safe housing, support from victim’s services, legal help, assistance with legal documents, relocation support, mental health and substance abuse coordination and someone to help support them if they choose to report to law enforcement. Of course, if a child is under 18, we must legally report their case. In addition to the direct care we will be providing trafficking victims, we will be providing education for the youth, staff and community, which is so important to preventing more instances of trafficking. We have also formalized a system for identifying those who are vulnerable to becoming trafficked as well as tracking identified victims and survivors.

“Although Covenant House Alaska has been working with young people experiencing trafficking for many years, this program is going to allow us to formalize and create structure, standards, and directed approaches to assisting these youth. The general navigator model is one in which young people are assisted by us walking beside them to get their ID’s, go to the doctor, go to job interviews, etc. This is imperative when working with someone who has been traumatized by a trafficker. It is not enough for traditional case management models to plan and expect the person to perform and navigate systems by themselves.”

–      Senior Program Officer, Covenant House Alaska

Moving forward, we will be working on legislation that will support our work in the assistance of trafficking victims. In changing laws to better help victims of these types of crimes, we hope to remove persecutory practices and address the stigma of perceived “prostitution”. While we do this important and necessary work to improve the safety of children in our state, we must remain true to our mission of helping ALL young people who are experiencing homelessness, not only young people who are victims of human trafficking. We have known for a long time our youth are sought out by traffickers because of their vulnerabilities, and now we will have tools to empower youth and prevent them from falling into the traps of traffickers.