Frequently Asked Questions

We expect Sleepers 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 Sleepers are required to fundraise before the event:

• If you are spending the overnight at Covenant House New York (CHNY), your goal should be set at $5,000 or above. Sleepers should be 50% to goal ($2,500) by November 1st in order to retain your spot in the CHNY parking lot. 
• If you are spending the overnight at the Javits Center, your goal should be set at $5,000 or above. Sleepers should be 50% to goal ($2,500) by event day, November 18th, in order to retain your spot in the Javits Center parking lot.
• If you're spending the overnight at home or from another location (make sure it is safe and legal!), you can set your own fundraising goal. We suggest $1,000 for adults and $500 for kids under the age of 18. 

You are not on your own when it comes to fundraising! Our team provides coaching, materials, and whatever support you need to reach your goal.

Register online to reserve your sleeping bag or contact us at [email protected]. 

The Sleep Out is a unique experience that we hope encourages awareness, empathy, and understanding for the immeasurable odds that homeless young people overcome. But while awareness of a problem is important, it isn’t a solution.

We ask to 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 youth.

For this event, we ask that:

• If you are spending the overnight at Covenant House New York (CHNY), your goal should be set at $5,000 or above. Sleepers should be 50% to goal ($2,500) by November 1st in order to retain your spot in the CHNY parking lot. 
• If you are spending the overnight at the Javits Center, your goal should be set at $5,000 or above. Sleepers should be 50% to goal ($2,500) by event day, November 18th, in order to retain your spot in the Javits Center parking lot.
• If you're spending the overnight at home or from another location (make sure it is safe and legal!), you can set your own fundraising goal. We suggest $1,000 for adults and $500 for kids under the age of 18. 

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, coaching, materials, and whatever else you need to reach your goal.

 

Safety is our first and foremost concern, whether it is for the young people we serve or for supporters at events.

If you decide to join us in-person at Covenant House New York or the Javits Center, know that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe. Both overnight locations have locked gates and security throughout the night.

If you Sleep Out from home, you should only do so from a location that is safe and legal like your backyard, garage, porch, or floor.

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.

To mail a check, please send it to Covenant House, Attn: Sleep Out, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001. Be sure to include your name in a note or the Memo line!

We are so excited to have you in person for the overnight portion of the Sleep Out. Because of COVID-19, we are limiting the in-person event experience to a brief candlelight vigil, sleeping overnight, and a morning reflection. Updated packing list as well as arrival instructions will be sent to your email, so please check your inbox for the most current details. 

Please plan to bring the following:

• A sleeping bag
• Your overnight travel bag (limit one per person)
• Layers of clothing
• Proof of vaccination and a photo I.D. (required)
• A mask for when you're indoors
• Personal medications (as needed)
• Basic toiletries (optional)
• A water bottle (optional)

You should not bring:

• Alcohol. Sleep Out is always a dry event and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Also, we must insist that you refrain from having alcoholic beverages before arriving at the Sleep Out. Many of our residents and alumni have struggled with substance use and are hyper-aware of the odors of alcohol; for their safety and security, please take great care.
• Food and drink (other than water), unless required for medical purposes. Food will not be provided, please plan to eat before you arrive.
• Pillows, airbeds, or other luxury bedding items.
• Unnecessary valuables. While we do provide staffed storage areas, we recommend you limit the number of valuables (electronics, jewelry, money, etc.) for your peace of mind… and ours.

We provide for you:

• A yoga mat (these are replacing cardboard boxes as your light layer of protection from the ground)
• Bottled water and/or a water bottle filling station
• Secure storage for your belongings, available to you at all times
• Restroom facilities (indoors)

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

No, at this time we do not have the space or technology for you to watch the virtual program from Covenant House New York or the Javits Center. You will not be able to check in at either space until 10:00pm ET.

The virtual program begins at 8:00pm ET and we highly encourage you to tune in from your computer, tablet, or phone. Sleep Out is about more than the overnight experience, and the stories you will hear will remain with you throughout the night.

There will be breaks in the virtual programming at 9:45pm ET and again at 10:15pm ET. You should use one of these breaks as your time to close your computer and travel to your overnight location.

View an outline of the schedule here. If you need assistance making travel arrangements, let us know.