Sleep Out asks you to have an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. In return, it promises to offer a life-changing experience. 

To join this event in person, Sleepers must be at least 23 years old and work towards a $1,000 fundraising goal (with support from fundraising coaches!). 

To join this event virtually, Sleepers of all ages choose their own fundraising goal and identify their own Sleep Out location (somewhere safe and legal!).

All Sleepers at this event must work in the Broadway, film, television, or entertainment industry. If you have questions about these expectations, please contact Colleen Veldt at [email protected].

If you wish you participate in Sleep Out but cannot attend this event or are not eligible, consider starting your own Sleep Out and customizing the experience to work for you.

Sleep Out is an immersive experience that offers opportunities to learn from experts on the front lines of ending youth homelessness, connect with your colleagues or community, and hear from people who have overcome homelessness. The tone ranges from moments of celebration and inspiration to solidarity and reflection. An event schedule can be found here.

Sleep Out: Stage & Screen will be held at the new Covenant House New York, where we follow strict city, state, and federal guidelines to keep our youth, staff, and visitors safe. We are also working closely with our event committee to adhere to industry best practices imposed on sets and productions. If you are feeling sick, you should not attend Sleep Out in person. 

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. 

Sleep Out raises critical funds that allow Covenant House to offer 24/7 safety, shelter, and support to young people overcoming homelessness. By fundraising, Sleepers become part of the solution for youth facing homelessness. 

For Sleep Out: Stage & Screen, we ask Sleeper attending in person to work towards a goal of $1,000. If you start or join a team, your shared goal will be equivalent to your combined individual goals (e.g. 3 people on a team x $1,000 = $3,000 goal), but you can use your team fundraising page to work collectively towards reaching it.

Sleepers who are participating virtually from home can choose their own fundraising goal (we suggest $500). 

If you're nervous about fundraising, reach out! Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact Colleen Veldt at [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 — it's part of the commitment you make to step outside your comfort zone when you decide to Sleep Out — but you are never in it alone. 

Directly to Covenant House, where it is put to work caring for youth overcoming homelessness. 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 built stable, sustainable futures.

You can add cash or check donations to your page through your Participant Dashboard: 

• Log into your account
• Hover over the "Donations" icon in your dashboard or tap 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 

To mail a check, please send the Offline Donation Form and check to Covenant House, Attn: Sleep Out, 461 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10001. Be sure you include your name in a note or the memo line. 

Yes! In fact, we hope you do. This page will give you all the tools you need to spread the word and invite folks to join Sleep Out. You can form a team with your company, show, friend group, industry group, or family (email [email protected] for help creating your team page). Each person should register as part of your roster and then you can customize and use your team page in your outreach. We'll provide you with a team sign (and plenty of team spirit!) at the event.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider recruiting a "rival" team! Invite friends, colleagues, or peers from another show or company to compete with you on the leaderboard. A little friendly competition is a great way to stir fundraising and camaraderie.