Can’t attend the Sleep Out in person? Use this toolkit to create a meaningful Sleep Out experience from wherever you are: the floor of your apartment, in a backyard if you have access, or even on a friend’s couch.
Remember, the Sleep Out is meant to be a night of solidarity with the 4.2 million young people who experience homelesness each year. Many of these youth report couch surfing when they first become unstably housed. But our goal is not to replicate their experience or pretend to be homeless. We are stepping outside of our comfort zones to send a message to these young people — who have so often been ignored — that we care. And we can do that from anywhere.
For many of us, a virtual Sleep Out will mean cueing up a few videos with stories from Covenant House youth, participating in a reflection activity, and finding a space to sleep on the floor.
We will provide you with videos and activities to fill your night.
You can customize your experience by inviting others to join you, deciding to shut off your heater or forgo blankets for the night, saying no to pajamas in favor of the jeans you wore that day, or giving up your phone charger.
Once you have a place to sleep that’s safe and legal (for example, your apartment), the level of preparation is up to you. We’ll share reminders, activities, and videos throughout the night on, June 4th, so keep an eye on your email and social media outlets to follow along.
You can decide to join the virtual Sleep Out experience at any time. We will update this page and your participant dashboard with video content and activities, so check back here on March 20th.
Keeping your supporters, friends, and family updated about your Sleep Out is important. Not only are the funds and awareness you raise vital for youth at Covenant House, but transparency helps your network understand why you’re home instead of on the street and that their gift to Covenant House still matters greatly.
Here’s a sample message that you can share before June 4th:
This year, I signed on to Sleep Out on the street for a night to raise funds for youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House. Unfortunately, due to concerns about coronavirus, I am no longer able to join the Sleep Out at Covenant House Texas.
I’m disappointed, of course, but whether I get in a sleeping bag on the concrete outside or on the floor of my apartment, I’m proud of the movement I’ve joined to help shelter and support youth facing homelessness. These young people are the most vulnerable among us, not only to something like coronavirus, but to so many other illnesses, both physical and mental, that come directly from the trauma of living on the streets. Covenant House provides them with the life-saving care that they so urgently need, and their doors remain open for every young person seeking help.
Our support is their lifeline, which is why I am continuing my fundraising efforts. I hope you take notice of my commitment to these incredible young people at Covenant House and honor their resilience with a gift on my Sleep Out page: [INSERT YOUR PERSONAL FUNDRAISING PAGE URL]
Get The Word Out