At just 17, Michael left a difficult home life and arrived at the doors of Covenant House.
That moment changed everything - and set him on the path to becoming the person he is today.
“I can almost not picture a version of me that exists now if a place like Covenant House did not exist when I needed it,” Michael said.
As Michael settled into what he describes as a warm and caring environment, Covenant House gave him what he needed most: Structure, stability, and support.
He finished high school, built his resume, and landed his first job at a local grocery store.
In our transitional housing program, Michael learned life skills like cooking, budgeting, and time management. “These life skills seemed like a bonus at first, but they’re the ones that stick with you the most,” he said.
With his basic needs met, Michael had space to dream big and pursue a wide range of interests. A walk past the Canadian Opera Company led to volunteering and connections made in the Toronto arts community, which then blossomed into a writing career.
Today, Michael is editor-in-chief of Canadian arts and culture magazine, Cannopy. He is also in medical school, working toward becoming a doctor—a future he never imagined possible before Covenant House.
“Everybody has dreams, everybody has goals. With kindness, generosity, and compassion, we can help young people reach them,” Michael said. “Covenant House did that for me, and there’s a gratitude I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay.”