It Takes A Village – Diamond’s Story

Senior year is a transformative time for students. While most students are wrestling with big life questions about what to do after high school, Diamond was just worried about making it THROUGH.

In January, she and her parents entered the emergency family shelter at UMOM New Day Centers. In March, she turned 18 and Diamond moved to the Halle Women’s Center (HWC) after a family dispute.

DID YOU KNOW? Nationally, 75% of homeless youth drop out of high school and do not earn their diploma. Without their diploma, these youth face tremendous challenges obtaining gainful employment that pays a living wage and provides access to health insurance and benefits. This barrier to higher pay and benefits can lead many youth experiencing homeless to experience chronic homelessness – regularly lacking a safe, stable, and secured housing situation. – Homeless Youth Connection

During her time at HWC, Diamond kept a positive outlook and stayed engaged with school. She even attended prom with help from Case Managers and other women in shelter collectively acting as “fairy godmothers” to help her find clothing and style her hair for the big night.

Diamond’s case manager Rosa is proud to report that Diamond graduated as planned and intends to enlist in the US Army. Diamond successfully exited shelter and is now living with her older sister in California while she gets ready to embark on her next chapter.

If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless, there are resources available to help.

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