Sleep Out: Chicago
Event Details
Date: November 17, 2022 - November 18, 2022
Venue: Covenant House Illinois, Chicago
Event Coordinator: Meredith Oney, [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is expected of each Sleeper?
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 a life-changing experience.
Sleep Out Chicago will be held in-person at Covenant House Illinois. For this event, all Sleepers must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Work towards a fundraising goal of at least $250
- Provide proof of vaccination and comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines.
If you have questions about these expectations, please contact Meredith Oney at [email protected]
If you want to Sleep Out but cannot attend this event for any reason, consider starting your own Sleep Out and customizing the experience to work for you. This is an excellent option if you would like to participate from home or with children.
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What happens at the event?
Sleep Out Chicago 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.
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What are your COVID-19 safety policies?
Sleep Out Chicago will be held at Covenant House Illinois. All Sleepers will be asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival and mask while indoors, and additional testing procedures may be requested. View our complete COVID-19 policy here and check your email for the most up to date information.
Your safety, and the safety of our youth and staff, is our top priority. Our COVID-19 safety policies are determined in accordance with state and city regulations as well as federal and CDC guidelines, and we will alert you if any changes are made. We thank you for your patience, flexibility, and commitment to the fundamental purpose of Sleep Out: to provide every young person with a safe place to sleep.
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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.
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 Chicago, we ask each Sleeper to work towards a goal of $250. 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 $5,000 = $15,000 goal), but 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. Contact Meredith Oney 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.
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. 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.
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I received some cash and check donations. What should I do with them?
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 Illinois
Attn: Sleep Out Chicago
2934 W. Lake Street Chicago IL 60612.
Be sure you include your name in a note or the memo line.