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COVID-19 Policy

As always, the safety of our youth, staff, and community is our first priority. After careful consideration, we have implemented the following measures to promote the health and wellbeing of attendees and staff:

  • In Oakland, we will offer the opportunity to Sleep Out overnight at a location provided by Covenant House California.
  • To attend the in-person program and overnight portions of the Sleep Out, participants must raise a minimum of $250 and will be required to show proof of vaccination. 

  • We respectfully ask that Sleepers who are experiencing cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms or have recently interacted with someone who has tested positive for COVID to not participate in the in-person component of the event.

  • Sleep Out will be held outdoors, with access to clean, indoor bathrooms. Sleepers will be asked to wear masks, and safely distance themselves from each other; handwashing stations will also be accessible. 

  • While outdoors, Sleepers will be asked to respect social distancing guidelines and/or wear a mask when interacting with other Sleepers or staff. Sleep spaces will be marked in advance to ensure Sleepers have a safe distance from each other.

  • The voices of our youth remain integral to the spirit of Sleep Out, and their experiences will be shared virtually (live, via recorded video, or written) or in-person. 

  • At this time, food will be served outside at the in-person portion of the Sleep Out. Sleepers are welcome to remove their masks when eating and drinking but will be expected to put masks back on when finished.

These policies were determined in accordance with California State and Oakland regulations as well as federal and CDC guidelines. Covenant House California’s leadership also considered feedback from essential staff at the frontlines of the pandemic and our Sleeper community.

If Sleepers are not able or willing to adhere to the policies outlined above for in-person participation, we are excited to offer virtual participation in Sleep Out America on April 29th to ensure a meaningful Sleep Out experience from home or a location of your choosing. 

As the situation evolves, so will our approach to keeping our community safe. We thank you for your patience and flexibility as we manage this, and your commitment to the fundamental purposes of Sleep Out: to provide every young person with a safe place to sleep.