SHELTER (Full Length Documentary) 

For the first time in close to a decade, chronic homelessness is on the rise in America. With affordable housing facing a crunch, it's harder than ever for young families to cope. Still, some find the support they need. WATCH NEXT: Overdose Crisis on the US-Canada Border, Steel Town Down -- vice.video/2Fj1Q9x

You cannot tell me the sound of an elderly black woman calling you "baby" is not the most comforting and precious thing in this world.

The people who work here and run the convenant house are true heroes in my mind.

My boy matty defied expectations and fuckin killed that interview. Them copies of his ID and all that was so smooth.

"Regardless, we just have to love them, that's all it is." Wow, she's an amazing woman and she has incredible empathy.

That 17yo white lad who's mum moved out and didnt tell him the new address is just awful. He just appears to be autistic, no-one deserves that kind of abandonment for being themselves. Really felt for him

Who else smiled ear to ear when Matthew got his new job? I did.

The lady with the locs she goes by the name of Ms. T. I used to be at this same shelter. I crossed paths with her and she’s so humble. She was never mean to us. I knew Elizabeth too but not fully knew her she had a beautiful spirit and she was very smart.

My heart really goes out to Matthew. Heartbreaking that his own family didn’t want him. He really seems so intelligent and has an amazing personality despite the obstacles.

Broke my heart to see the young lady cry when she couldn’t pronounce the words on the flash cards. 😢

That woman who broke the fight up in the beginning is a true angel, she handled that situation with grace and NO police needed to come and intervein. Love that woman!

We give so many accolades to celebrities but to those who who do work like this are forgotten… the staff are simply amazing, sending love and light to everyone. Matthew and Elizabeth ❤️❤️❤️❤️

In the moment Matthew got the job, it hit me that he’s doesn’t get to celebrate these life moments with his mom… he’s alone but he remains positive. Bless him

America let's stop donating to the Goodwill , donate to a homeless shelter. You'll really be making a difference.

Homeboy just wanted deodorant for Christmas? Well, I'm never complaining about trivial BS ever again.

You can tell Elizabeth has a pure heart! She’s very polite - she’s just misunderstood. Look at her eyes, they’re still so vibrant.

Proud of the young man who got a job as soon as he got there and eventually moved out to his own apartment! He went from shy and awkward to a confident young man! Loved this documentary!

The staff on here need to train shelter employees all over the USA. They speak with empathy and the give the residents hope. And thats what the new generation needs right now, HEALING.

The shelter employees are absolute angels. They have such a gentle and loving manner when they talk to the residents. God bless them.

I pray that everyone in this documentary is safe, delivered and set free. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

That woman at the beginning……a SAINT. her unconditional love for her people made me tear up.

This made me realize how lucky I am to even have a family

That's how a church should use money.

They say “baby” with so much warmth. 💕

I was in 3 shelters.. this brings back so many memories, now i have my own place with my daughter ! Thank you God for bringing me a long way 🙏😢

Elizabeth, That girl with the short hair cut is haunting. She's beautiful. Her skin is gorgeous. Her bone structure is too. She could easily be a model. My heart hurts for her. Her mind is going.

I currently live in a homeless shelter with my mom in San Diego. We look just like you, we are just like you, we are just homeless. Don't treat us differently, we all bleed red. EDIT: thank you all for your wonderful comments these past 5 months. I'm no longer homeless, and I'm nice and healthy. Thank you everyone for your kind words 💘

I’m proud to say I work for this organization.

Elizabeth broke my heart when they said she wants to travel to see her mama… this baby been lookin and chasin after her mother since she was 4 she’s literally not in a sane reality in her head and she just gave up hope in life.

Documentaries like this remind me to never take even the simplest things for granted. Forever grateful. Thank you Vice.

I believe that Elizabeth has a very deep kind soul. Not even the schizophrenia can cover that up

Matthew is such a sweetheart, I hope he makes it, gut I think he will. His mother is a beast. He actually tries, unlike all the others.

I love how the staff call them all baby ❤️👶♥️ makes them feel loved, seen and cared for

I cried watching this.This documentary showed me how privileged and lucky I am.

The saddest part of this very real truth is the fact that 90 % of these people's pain is man made and 100% preventable. Lord have mercy!!!!

Elizabeth is the best ever!! She so correct on how people treat the homeless, and the way she's gotta sing if she feels the music in her soul!! Wonderful person

I went through this. It's rough. I want to thank people like this staff showing love and a big heart. They're saving lives. Mine was saved, people thought my life was worth something.

I live at this shelter at 19-20yrs old and It Absolutely changed my life for the better I’m 42yrs old with 3 Adult Son’s a husband a homeowner with career but when I went to the Covenant house I was broken with a newborn son No job and felt alone in a month I found a Job and In a year I saved my money and they helped me me and my Son get our first Apartment and after that life Is Great I’m so Grateful to the staff for taken a chance with me much love and to anyone looking for help this place Is It...

A mother kicked her 17 year old special needs son out of the house to be with her husband more and the son doesn't blame her for that....

I’ve watched this documentary more than 10 times and Matthew’s personality is so amazing. He’s such a sweetheart. He is someone I would love to be around. He’s doing good things. And living free. ✈️

This is the most helpful homeless shelter that I have ever seen. Not only do they provide a safe place to sleep but they treat them with dignity and love. I hope everyone In this documentary is doing well.

When Elizabeth was explaining how she wishes she knew what to do to think normal, that shit almost broke me. Good doc Vice.

"I dont undestand why I dont do the things I need to do like a normal person".I felt that.

Watching the person read at 25:25 was heart breaking. I hope they find their way in life.

After seeing all the divisive crap thats going on in America right now, its real heartwarming to see such a depth of care from some of these staff, they have hearts of gold. Also these people who have been abandoned by society are really diamonds in the rough, rejected for who they are. I wish them all the best and the strength to make a break for life.

Its clear that girl responds positively to music, they should givr her some musical therapy.

“I don’t want to sound vain” there is nothing vain about being proud about yourself CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW

I saw Elizabeth in the parking lot of a Lowe’s about a year ago. She was pushing a stroller with a baby in it. It wasn’t the safest neighborhood. I bought her some snacks from the Lowe’s checkout and wished her the best. Her baby ate the granola bar right in front of me. She said after the film she had a baby and then the one she had that day was her second. She wasn’t as spirited as she was in the film. I can’t imagine life had been easy on her. She also had some blond braids in her hair.

I’m so proud of Matthew!! All the milestones he’s had to overcome is a miracle. His confidence and his never give up attitude is inspiring. God bless everyone at the Covenant house.

This should be mandatory viewing for all humans.

Mental health is SO REAL!!!

I love Elizabeth. I don’t say this lightly but she’s an incredible human spirit (and a very gifted singer) who deserves solid trauma therapy, help, and support. I am so incredibly impressed by the people at covenant house. I am signing up to be a monthly supporter. Praying for you Elizabeth! I see you! You deserve good things and peace. I am so sorry you’ve been mistreated by people in this lifetime. You deserve love and care and to know that was NOT your fault. ❤️

Bless you all for your patience, dedication and hearts to these vulnerable youth and young adult to try and rehabilitate, house and renew their lives. Praise the Lord for people like you. I was a traveling occupational therapist but because of abusive family members since I was young and two abusive husbands I have been homeless more than I was able to establish myself somewhere because no amount of money was enough when you're always moving and running and hiding. Now I'm 56 and still trying to reach my dreams of making homeless transitional house and job programs like you're doing to include animal care and gardening and more. I start a 9 month program in May 2024 for Animal Welfare Administration to start my animal shelter first.

Elizabeth needs a music therapy program. She has a beautiful voice.

The poor girl who couldn't read simple words broke my heart. How does a child get to 10th grade and be illiterate? The school system totally failed her.

those staff people are angels...

Matthew is unbelievably strong….. what a good fucking kid. I’d hire him in a heartbeat

The people who run the Covenant House deserve all the praise in the world.

The young man in the beginning looked so sad and tired. Poor guy, his story got to me. I hope he's doing better now.

I love my hometown New Orleans. The black women I know and grew up with are so strong and really do care about others. I can’t be more proud of the black women of New Orleans, I love how much we care 🥺♥️ I have been able to obtain this kindness and I’m incredibly lucky. Everyone deserves a chance y’all.

The kid who took a bullet for his brother, my God he does not look 20. Like has aged him but he can come back from that. It is as all in the mind.

For Matthew, DO NOT make excuses for your mom. A mother should NEVER choose a man over her son... thankfully, this place is helping more than she is right now.

Shout out to Covenant House in N.O., & Covenant House in N.E. Wash., DC, who helped me back in 1997.

As someone who is currently in TRANSITIONAL HOUSINGas we speak, I applaud this video!!! It shows that there are many many true services out there that are AND WILL help you!!!! I pray that they continue operating in the uplifting of ALL human beings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brent Renaud paid the ultimate price, his life, to bring the human condition to the public's eyes and ear. Shot in Ukraine unjustly, unwarranted and illegally while covering another human tragedy. Clearly, he was able to articulate and empathize with those suffering.

Matthew has got me bawling. He’s not even mad at his mom

That woman in the beginning is so kind. We need more people like that in the world rather than those who would rather allow suffering in the world. There's a serious lack of empathy and compassion worldwide. I hope one day it's fixed

Mathew is just a delight and so meticulous. I’m glad he’s free of his crazy mother.🥰

The older gentleman playing the guitar was phenomenal. I hope all people in this have found peace. The instructors are all angels.

Matthew* whose mom abandoned him, SHE missed out. He is a gift!! Sweet soul and great art skills. I wish him the very best in this life. You have a purpose and you make this world a better place MAtthew is you ever read this ❤️

Elizabeth sings when she's scared or nervous!

so deeply upsetting hearing Matthew’s stories and excuses for his mother’s sad behavior. i hope he is doing well he seems like a saint. Same with Elizabeth.

Matthew🥺 can’t believe how horrible his mother was when he messaged her on Facebook . How can you block your own son 🥺💕 bless his heart don’t take your loving parents for granted because not everyone gets that

Elizabeth singing "they see the best in me" while the shelter workers made her bed had me crying omg

I cried when the young lady couldn't read the words on those cards. This is a powerful program. Sad

The lack of compassion other people have for homeless folks, especially young people kills me. I try my best to do something kind when I cross paths with them, give them something to eat, some money if I have it on me, or just acknowledging their presence. People look at them like they’re the plague, as if most of us are not closer to being homeless than we are to being millionaires. These houses are saving these kids’ lives.

I’m from Los Angeles, CA and I was in and out of juvenile hall and group homes from 13-18 and was homeless from basically 13-28 years old. I’ve been through a lot and seen a lot. I’ve resonated with this documentary because I can relate to their struggles. Fast forward to today, I’m no longer homeless, my rent is paid up for a year, I have a BMW X6 that I paid all cash for at the dealership and my life is way better. I’m blessed. And if you’re reading this and going through a similar situation… I just wanna say keep going and never give up! There’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel. Love you

So important to keep these programs funded. Stop complaining about your taxes, THIS is important!

That boy...the 20 year old kid near the begining...his eyes..the lines in his face...He looked like he had been aged 40 years, and LITERALLY been in a war zone for his entire life. It damn near shattered my heart into 1000 tiny pieces to see a young person so...beaten down by life. When I saw the look in his eyes...It was like looking into an endless, empty, pitch black pit...and then when he said his entire family died in Katrina, his mom from cancer, and his dad had been killed, and then revealed he had been shot twice protecting his brother...my god... If I could, I'd give him everything I had. The room I live in, my car, all my money (even though it isn't much), fuck it- even a kidney or some of my liver.... Just about anything, if it would ensure his happiness. If I were religious, I'd pray for him morning, noon, and night, and every hour in between. Covenant house is just...just amazing. ...I've seen Covenant House reply to some comments and I just wanted to say; Covenant, if you're listening; please contact me if there's a way I can donate something, anything, to the boy in this video. I sincerely hope he's doing better.

I really felt for the young lady who brike into tears bc she cldnt read the words.🥺 That beautiful young woman was so ashamed but still trying. I really applaud her effor,t and the others. I hope they all make it thru.

When my father denied to help someone who was homeless & said that if they could walk, hold a sign, & ask for money that they could apply for a job. I never looked at him the same ever again.. You should always help others if you can...

37:07 when she started praying. I cried. She prayed for everyone else and never once prayed just for herself.

My heart broke when Matthew said his mom told him they moved, he couldn't have the address & she blocked him on Facebook. My own mom is like that too. When Liz said she immediately forgave all the times she's been hit, I felt that in my heart, too. Then seeing that girl cry because she couldn't read, made me want to hug her & help her 😟 Bless the amazing staff there! I was in New Orleans & it was such a beautiful place, I loved it. Bless all the ppl that need help, Bless the staff there, & if you're reading this, Bless you as well. ❤️

The young guy whose mother doesn't want him to have her address, it's just so terrible. His stepdad doesn't want him at their house, but she's his mother and should be there for her son, especially when he's only 17. I hope he succeed. Also, the girl who is walking saying "bow down", I feel sad for her, I hope she gets help.

Very tough to watch. 😢. Thank you to all humans that still care enough to help the lost God bless

When Matthew said in such a matter of fact way that he understood why his mom didn’t want him around my heart shattered.

Without giving Daniel any shit she opened her arms and let him right back in. This was a true showing of unconditional love.

I sobbed throughout this whole film. I have been so lucky and blessed in my life. These people are amazing humans. I hope each and every one of these kids and the staff get everything they wish for and more.

I saw this documentary a long time ago, I'm glad to have stumbled across it again. It's so well-made and touching. My prayers for everyone suffering in their mind. I wish them all the peace and joy this world has to offer. 💖

Elizabeth is such a sweetie...the organisation should get her into a singing programme..everytime she sings or hears music her spirit lights up..

This whole thing really teaches you how to be humble. A lot of us have a house, our own shower, beds and we don't even realize that's what the next person dreams for, prays for. Makes you have an outlook on a lot differently. Life is crazy, anybody can be in this situation any day. I wish the best for all 💛

Elizabeth praying for the children.🥺 She's a broken little girl herself. I wish Elizabeth healing. If anyone has any updates on her I'd love to know.❤

I'm only 7 minutes in and I'm already crying and feeling like this place is such a blessing.

“They need someone whose not going to give up on them... stand firm, but not give up on them.” THAT WOMAN IS A SAINT

I know this is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things but Elizabeth is gorgeous. She has very pretty skin, cheekbones, and eyes. I really hope she found happiness.

Love, light, and healing for all people here and homeless in the world ❤️ This documentary spoke to my heart especially the man who was shot twice in the stomach and Elizabeth. I could not believe he was 20 he had seen so much and aged rapidly.

When that guy said " if you dont have love , you don't have anything else." That's so true, i swear. My man passed 2 months ago, and i feel empty without him. Unconditional love he showed, no matter what we've gone through. Rip My beloved Marlon

When the young man said he was 20 I just felt my heart drop. You can tell by looking he has lived a long life in a short time

I was homeless for a year living in a women's shelter with my children. I'm greatful for the center of hope here in Charlotte NC. I have a apartment , car and my kids are happy ❤️❤️🙏🙏

Matthew is a beautiful soul and I would adopt him in a heartbeat. ❤️ His mother is literally the worst.