Use this toolkit to create a meaningful Sleep Out experience from wherever you are: the floor of your apartment, in a backyard if you have access, or even on a friend’s couch.
For many of us, a virtual Sleep Out will mean cueing up a few videos with stories from Covenant House youth, participating in a reflection activity, and finding a space to sleep on the floor. Personalize your experience by inviting others to join you, deciding to shut off your heater or forgo blankets for the night, saying no to pajamas in favor of the jeans you wore that day, or giving up your phone charger. If you’d like help figuring out how to make the night meaningful, our team is available: [email protected] or (212) 727-4990.
Remember, the Sleep Out is meant to be a night of solidarity with the 4.2 million young people who experience homelesness each year. Many of these youth report couch surfing when they first become unstably housed. But our goal is not to replicate their experience or pretend to be homeless. We are stepping outside of our comfort zones to send a message to these young people — who have so often been ignored — that we care. And we can do that from anywhere.
The online Sleep Out program will begin at 8pm EST. Follow along with this schedule all night — registered participants will receive email reminders — or pick and choose activities to join on your own timeline.
Watch video messages from Covenant House youth and alumni, as well as video updates from staff in our shelters.
Talk to your friends and family about your Sleep Out and COVID-19 at Covenant House. Copy and paste these sample messages.
Read stories about the resilient youth at Covenant House and articles about the effect of COVID-19 on the homeless population of the country.
Follow along with us tonight, and keep your own social media feed updated with these tools.
Email: [email protected]
DM on Instagram: @covenanthouseny
Call: 212-727-4990
Get The Word Out