Stories of Impact

Meet Sanaa

When 18-year-old Sanaa looks back now, she can pinpoint the exact moment everything began to change. “August 11, 2024,” she says. “That’s the day I thank myself for taking a leap of faith and doing something for me.” That’s the day she called Haven House.

When Sanaa first connected with Morgan, a Youth Care Specialist in Haven House’s Street Outreach program, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “Morgan was the best introduction to the program I could’ve asked for,” she says with a smile. Morgan helped Sanaa get vital documents like her ID and Social Security card so she could get enrolled in GED classes at Wake Tech.

Now, after just over a year working with Haven House, Sanaa says her life is completely different. She has her own apartment thanks to Haven House’s Transition in Place housing program, and she is focused on what’s next. Her goal now is to graduate and eventually become a dental hygienist. “For a while, I didn’t think I’d ever walk across a stage. But that’s my goal now: to graduate, walk in a cap and gown, and finally feel like I can do anything.” And the support she’s received from Haven House, she says, made all the difference. “They helped me believe I could really do this. Haven House showed up for me in ways no one else had. I’m finally seeing what my future can look like.”

Read Sanaa’s full story here.

Meet Tyeshia

Meet Chassie

Twenty-five years ago, Haven House was there for me when I had nowhere else to turn. I was 18 years old without a stable home or job. I was referred to Haven House’s Transition in Place (TIP) program and with their help moved from homelessness to housing. My case manager, Matt, helped with transportation to get a higher-paying job, and connected me with Job Corps to get my GED. After working in the prison system for many years as a corrections officer and case manager, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology and now I’m in school getting my master’s in social work. Twenty-five years later, I went back to Haven House as a staff member in the TIP program helping kids struggling with homelessness and other challenges. I understand what they are going through, and I’m proof they can turn things around.

Read Chassie’s Story here.

Meet Ray

Ray was 13 when he moved to Raleigh with his single father. His dad took on two jobs while looking for stable housing. Due to his age, Ray was unable to stay with his father at the men’s shelter so his dad brought him to Wrenn House. Ray stayed at Wrenn House for nearly a month while his dad saved up enough money to move them into an apartment. Haven House staff members reached out to several donors to help Ray and his dad furnish their new home. At last check in, Ray and his father were still living in their apartment and continuing to thrive.

Meet Ava

15-year-old Ava was struggling with substance use, leaving the home without permission, and not attending school for more than six months. After Ava’s mom reached out to Haven House for help, one of our licensed therapists met with Ava and conducted several assessments, resulting in a diagnosis of depression. The therapist worked with Ava and her caregiver to address Ava’s mental health needs and problem behaviors. The therapist also equipped Ava’s mom with tools and resources to help move Ava and the family toward positive change.

After a few months of services, Ava successfully returned to school, decreased her substance use, and the family improved their overall relationship and communication. Haven House also helped the caregiver establish a strong connection with the school. We look forward to seeing all that Ava will accomplish in the future!