Sleep Out: Greater Washington
Event Details
Date: November 17, 2022 - November 18, 2022
Venue: The Wharf - Recreation Pier, Washington, D.C.
Event Coordinator: Terri Greene, [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: Greater Washington will be held in-person at Covenant House Greater Washington. For this event, all Sleepers must:
- Be at least 23 years old
- Work towards a fundraising goal of at least $5,000
If you have questions about these expectations, please contact Terri Greene 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 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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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: Greater Washington, we ask each Sleeper to work towards a goal of $5000. 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 Terri Greene 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, Attn: Sleep Out, 2001 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20020 Be sure you include your name in a note or the memo line.