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. To Sleep Out, you must: 

• Register online as an individual or as part of a team
• Set and work towards a personal fundraising goal ($1,000 for in-person Sleepers, $500 for virtual Sleepers)
• Be at least 23 years old (Sleepers under the age of 23 may participate virtually)

If you have questions about these expectations, please contact our team at sleepout@covenanthouse.org. We would love to speak with you about the best way for you or your company to be part of the Sleep Out movement. 

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. An event schedule can be found here. 

Covenant House New Jersey is conveniently located blocks from Newark Penn Station and easily accessible via PATH train, NJ Transit, or Amtrak. For Sleepers who opt to drive, parking is available onsite via the Washington Street entrance (the Pearl Street entrance will be closed). Taxis and ride-shares are readily available (and a great option for those carpooling with colleagues!). 

While our (Re)Insurance Industry Sleep Out has been held in various New York City locations in the past, unfortunately, the outdoor space at our New York City shelter remains unavailable due to ongoing construction. We have heard from many Sleepers about how much they love to see what our house looks like in person and get to meet some of the young people who live with us, as well as the front-line staff who care for them, so we decided to take the event to our location in New Jersey. Our parking lot is a secure, fenced-off area, we have 24/7 security, and work closely with local law enforcement to keep you safe. 

45 young people sleep at our crisis shelter in Newark every night. On October 18, they will be able to look out their windows at the parking lot full of Sleepers and know that they are not alone. 

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 the (Re)Insurance Sleep Out, we ask each Sleeper to work towards a goal of $2,000 (for virtual Sleepers, that goal is $500). 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 $2,000 = $6,000 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. Email sleepout@covenanthouse.org 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.

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. Learn more.

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, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001. Be sure you include your name in a note or the memo line.