Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 16th, at 8pm - Friday, November 17th, at 6am
Venue: Times Square in New York City
Event Coordinator: Sue Petre, [email protected]
schedule + faqs
Additional Information
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What happens at the event?
Sleep Out is more than an uncomfortable night's sleep; awareness, education, and community are key to our Sleep Out experience.
Sleepers start the night by checking in and gathering near our stage in Times Square, where you have access to our "Sleep Out Village" featuring activities, sponsors, and snacks before the program begins. The program will feature Covenant House alumni and leaders about how Sleep Out is helping end youth homelessness, as well as special guests, a celebration of top fundraisers, and a candle-lighting ceremony.
After the candle lighting, Sleepers will be directed to their assigned block for the overnight. The overnight areas will be secured by barriers, separating it from the Times Square pedestrian traffic. We are working closely with the Times Square Alliance, NYPD, and the city to ensure the safety of all participants.
Throughout the night and into the morning, Sleepers will have access to a warming tent with snacks, water, coffee, and Covenant House staff. There will also be a homeless services tent open all night distributing information and snacks.
In the morning, coffee and breakfast will be served in the warming tents before Sleepers gather in small groups for morning reflections.
Review our detailed event schedule and packing list before arriving.
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Why is Sleep Out in Times Square?
Sleep Outs have been hosted at Covenant House locations, stadiums, and various private venues since its inception in 2011. We are excited to be hosting our largest Sleep Out ever in Times Square, the crossroads of the world, only a few blocks away from our Manhattan crisis center.
This Sleep Out will also serve as our marquee Youth Homelessness Awareness Month event. Learn more.
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How many people are we expecting to Sleep Out in Times Square?
Our goal is to have 400 people Sleep Out in Times Square! Sign up here.
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How old do you need to be to Sleep Out?
We recommend the experience to people ages 13+, but the event is open to anyone regardless of age. Participants under the age of 18 must register and attend with a parent or guardian. Sign up here.
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Why do I have to fundraise? How much do I need to raise?
Sleep Out is a unique experience that encourages awareness, empathy, and understanding for the immeasurable odds that youth experiencing homelessness face. But while awareness of a problem is important, it isn't a solution.
The funds raised through Sleep Out empower Covenant House to deliver solutions to youth facing homelessness: 24/7 safety, shelter, and support. To Sleep Out in Times Square, we suggest a fundraising goal of at least $672, which is about how much it costs to provide one week of housing and counseling services to a young person experiencing homelessness. If you start or join a team, your shared goal will be equivalent to your combined individual goals and you can use your team fundraising page to work collectively towards reaching it.
If you're nervous about fundraising, reach out! Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Email [email protected] to speak with a fundraising coach or visit our Fundraising Center for a step-by-step guide, sample messages, and shareable content. Fundraising can be daunting, but you are never in it alone.
If you're looking for a Sleep Out with a smaller fundraising goal, consider starting your own where you can set a goal that feels right for you.
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Where does the money raised for Sleep Out go?
Directly to Covenant House, where it is put to work caring for youth overcoming homelessness and advocating for policies that improve the lives of young people everywhere.
Funds raised by Sleepers are put to use right away to help keep the lights on and the doors open for the young people who come to our shelter each year. Sleepers also help fund vital services like medical care, legal assistance, education opportunities, vocational training, and therapeutic services that young people need to build stable, sustainable futures, and advocacy initiatives that work to advance issues like foster care reform, funding of transitional housing, and trafficking prevention. Learn more.