Tahjay's Story

"Their willingness to embrace someone like me is remarkable."

JAMAICA YMCA

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

In early 2024, I left Jamaica in search of something I couldn’t find back home: the freedom to live openly and authentically. I arrived in New York full of hope—but with no safety net. After a short stay with a friend, I ended up in a shelter system that left me uncertain about what would come next.

That changed when I was referred to the Jamaica Y. I still remember the day I arrived—it was cold, and I was exhausted. But when I handed over my paperwork and received a key to my own space, something shifted. For the first time in a long time, I felt like things were falling into place.

The Y connected me to healthcare, mental health support, and helped me begin the search for permanent housing. My case manager, Rahshetah, became more than just a support system—she became family. Every week, we talked about everything: my goals, my fears, and how to move forward.

With the Y’s help, I signed a lease on my first apartment in August. They even helped me furnish it, making it feel like home. Having a place of my own gave me more than just a roof over my head—it gave me the space to breathe, to plan, and to dream. I’ve started focusing on my health, building financial stability, and working toward my dream of becoming a stylist and makeup artist.

That key didn’t just open a door—it opened up my life.

I once heard that “a diamond only needs a shimmer of light to shine bright.” The Y was that shimmer for me. Thank you for supporting them—and for helping people like me find our light.