Ten years ago, Alisha’s mother graduated from the House of Hope. But by then, 17-year-old Alisha was already caught in her own web of drugs and what she describes as “bad experiences on the streets.” It wasn’t until 2003 that Alisha, a mother of year-old twins, followed in her mothers’ footsteps and came to stay at the House of Hope. It wasn’t too long before she walked out. “I was young,” she says simply. “The rules were hard and I wasn’t ready to make a commitment.”

Over the next few years, Alisha found herself living on the streets. Eventually, she even spent a few months in prison. “I gained a lot of experience,” she says. “My mom kept telling me to go back to the House of Hope. I needed that experience to see she was right.”

A few months ago, Alisha returned to the House of Hope, bringing her newborn son, Ryder, with her. Today, Alisha and her three children feel at home at the House of Hope. “They love it here. And this time I’m going to stay strong and get my life together.”