Episode Eight: “Failure is Just Growth”
In Episode 8, “Failure is Just Growth,” we speak with Taylor and Roland from Covenant House, a community organization that provides safe housing, shelter, life skills development and holistic support to young people ages 16 to 22 in New Orleans, by addressing the root causes of youth homelessness—including mental health challenges, systemic discrimination, and housing insecurity—Covenant House offers a vital path toward stability and hope.
As Louisiana’s only shelter for youth experiencing homelessness, Covenant House serves more than 125 young people each day. Through trauma-informed counseling, workforce development programs and financial literacy support, they empower young people to build brighter futures—while also mobilizing the community to take action in ending youth homelessness.
We’re also joined by Director of Community and Youth Engagement Sheri Combs, whose own experience growing up in the foster care system deeply informs her mission. With compassion and determination, she helps youth navigate challenges and recognize their own strength.
Together, Taylor, Roland and Sheri reflect on the transformative impact of meeting young people with love, dignity and opportunity—because when we invest in their growth, our whole community thrives.
Trigger Warning – This episode contains discussion of suicide and sensitive content
Why it Matters
Covenant House led the largest national study of homeless young adults in the U.S., uncovering urgent realities that demand our attention:
- One in 30 youth ages 13 to 17 experiences homelessness every year.
- Up to 60% of homeless youth have endured physical abuse, and up to40% have experienced sexual abuse.
- Nearly 60% of young men who age out of the foster system are convicted of a crime by their 20s.
- The homeless population in Orleans and Jefferson parishes has increased by 19.8% since 2022, according to the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Nearly 45% of Black Americans believe Black journalists are better equipped to cover stories on race and racial injustice.
- 50% of Hispanic Americans say they at least sometimes get news from Hispanic news outlets—those that specifically cater to Hispanic audiences.
- Immigration stories often resonate more deeply when covered by Hispanic journalists who bring personal or cultural experience to the storytelling.
Digging Deeper: Reflection Questions
- How did hearing Taylor and Roland’s stories impact your perspective on homelessness?
- How can listening to people’s lived experiences, like those shared in this episode, help create a more empathetic and informed society?
- How can more community members take part in raising awareness or supporting those experiencing homelessness?
- What are some of the most significant barriers to ending homelessness in cities like New Orleans?
- If you had the power to make one change in your community to support homeless youth, what would it be and why?
Learn More
Grantee Spotlight
Covenant House is a local non-profit organization combating youth homelessness and human trafficking in New Orleans. Serving as the only youth homelessness shelter in Louisiana, Covenant House provides short-term emergency shelter, job readiness training and develops individualized plans to help those in need work towards building a productive and independent future. Recognized for its innovative work toward helping the city’s most vulnerable, Covenant House provides a safe space with access to resources, training, and support services that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of young adults.