Everything you need to know about Sleep Out: Action for Change Edition

Date: Friday, October 23rd, 2020 to Saturday, October 24th, 2020
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 AM
Location: In your own backyard, deck, porch, or car! 

Event Coordinator: ToniMarie DiPietro 
Phone: 973-286-3425
Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to participate in the Sleep Out?
Participants in the Sleep Out: Action for Change Edition must be:

  • Ages of 12 and above. 
  • Commit to raising awareness about the issue of youth homelessness
  • Adults ages 23 and above should strive to raise at least $1,000 while youth ages 12-22 should strive to raise $300 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, or contact us at [email protected] or 973-286-3425

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 empathy and understanding for the challenges of racial discrimination that our homeless young people face. This is an opportunity to stand up against systemic racism while taking an important social action step that will help the lives of our youth. 

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 adult participants to work towards a $1,000 and youth participants to work towards a $300 fundraising goal (see FAQ above). 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.

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 973-286-3425 with any questions.

How do I participate in a virtual Sleep Out?
On Friday, October 23rd, we will host our Sleep Out: Action for Change Edition from our homes. To do this we ask you to join us via Zoom. (You do not need a Zoom account to participate.) The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event. Please test out your connection to our Zoom Meeting no later than Thursday, October 22nd.  

Next, locate a sleeping bag and find a spot to Sleep Out. This can be in your home, in the backyard, on a deck, or your front porch!  

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 New Jersey
Attn: Sleep Out: Action for Change 
330 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102