Date: Thursday, November 8, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
Event Coordinator: Colleen Veldt
Phone: 212-727-4990
Email: [email protected]
Am I eligible to participate in the Sleep Out?
Participants in the Sleep Out: Finance Edition must:
• Be at least 23 years of age
• Be a part of the Finance Industry
• Commit to raising awareness about the issue of youth homelessness
• Strive to raise at least $2,000 in support of homeless young people leading up to the event, using the online portal provided
What is expected of each participant?
We expect participants to approach the event with an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to work hard for something outside of your comfort zone. All participants are required to fundraise before the event, but you’re not on your own. Our team provides coaching, materials, and support to help you reach your goal.
I want to Sleep Out. What’s my next step?
Register online to reserve your sleeping bag, or contact us at [email protected] or 212-727-4990.
Why do I have to fundraise? And how much do I need to raise?
The Sleep Out is a unique experience that we hope encourages awareness, empathy, and understanding for the immeasurable odds that homeless young people overcome. But while awareness of a problem is important, it isn’t a solution.
We ask Sleep Out participants to raise critical funds that allow Covenant House to offer safety, shelter, and support to homeless young people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. By fundraising, Sleep Out participants become part of the solution for homeless teenagers.
For this event, we ask participants to work towards a $2,000 fundraising goal. We know you can do it - getting started is as easy as sending an email - and our team is available every step of the way to provide the tips, materials, and guidance you need to reach your goal.
Why is the Sleep Out at the Javits Center this year?
In the fall of 2018, Covenant House will break ground on our New York building project. We are constructing and opening a brand-new, much-needed, purpose-driven space so that we can better shelter and serve young people facing homelessness in New York City.
While the building project is underway, we have to hold our Sleep Out events off-site. Though we regret that we won't be able to host all participants at our House, it is part of the sacrifice necessary to serve more kids, better, in New York City.
Covenant House youth will still be very much involved in Sleep Out events. The Jacob Javits Center is conveniently located only a few blocks from Covenant House New York, which makes it easy for our young people and staff to travel to the event and participate in large roles as they have done in the past.
Will I be safe?
Safety is our first and foremost concern, whether it is for the young people we serve or for supporters at events. We take all necessary precautions to ensure you are safe at the Sleep Out. And while the spirit of the event is to sleep outside, indoor space remains available throughout the night.
Can a friend or family member Sleep Out with me?
Yes, so long as they meet the eligibility requirements listed above and register for the event in advance. If you want, you can even create a team page and invite friends, family, and co-workers to join (just remember that all attendees must be registered). Please contact us at [email protected] or 212-727-4990 with any questions.
What should I bring?
We suggest you bring weather-appropriate layers of clothing, personal toiletries and medications, and a smartphone (if you use one). We will provide a new sleeping bag to you, or you can bring your own.
What should I leave at home?
Please refrain from bringing any luxury bedding items, pillows, etc. as we expect you to sleep rough for one night in solidarity with homeless kids. We do not recommend that you sleep outside with any valuable items. We also ask that you refrain from bringing alcohol; Sleep Out is always a dry event.
I received some donations in cash and checks. What do I do with them?
You can add cash or check donations to your page through your Participant Dashboard. Once logged into your account, hover over the “Donations” icon in the black menu at the top of your screen and click the option to “Add an Offline Donation.” Scroll down to find and complete the Offline Donation Form. Once all the information is entered (please be as complete as possible!), click the button to “Add Donation” at the bottom of the form.
Once you have entered the gift, you can either bring the donations with you to the Sleep Out or mail to our office (be sure to include your name in a note or the Memo line!):
Covenant House
Attn: Finance Sleep Out
461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Get The Word Out