Canarsie woman turned American Idol contestant no longer living in homeless shelters

"I want people to know if they are a single mother or single father that they can do anything they put their heart to.... I feel like my purpose was to tell my story and tell people who are in my situation that they are not alone,” said Hernandez.

News 12 Staff

Mar 18, 2021, 1:23 AM

Updated 1,360 days ago

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A 23-year-old mother from Canarsie is now on television screens around the country as an American Idol contestant - and inspiring people with not just her voice.
Vahhley Hernandez says she and her 2-year-old son MJ have been living in homeless shelters in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
"I want people to know if they are a single mother or single father that they can do anything they put their heart to.... I feel like my purpose was to tell my story and tell people who are in my situation that they are not alone,” said Hernandez. 
She says she’s no longer living in shelters and is a manager at a restaurant in New Jersey. 
News 12’s Emily Lorsch details how this opportunity completely changed her life.