Sleep Out: New York City
Event Details
Date: March 15 - March 16, 2024
Venue: Javits Center, New York, NY (or virtually from anywhere)
Event Coordinator: Annie Ladd, [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.
Sleepers joining us at the Javits Center in Manhattan must:
- Be at least 13 years old
- Work towards a fundraising goal of at least $1,000
Sleepers joining us virtually should:
- Work towards a fundraising goal of your choice
- If under the age of 18, get permission from a parent or guardian
If you have questions about these expectations, please contact Annie Ladd at [email protected].
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What happens at the event?
Sleepers joining us at the Javits Center will gather for a short program covering the current state of youth homelessness. We'll then break into smaller group discussions and close with a final gather about Covenant House's mission and services before heading outside to sleep. Sleepers spend the night on the covered roadway outside the Javits Center (bathrooms are available indoors overnight) and will wake up to a light breakfast and morning reflection before departing.
Sleepers participating virtually can create a schedule that works best for them. We will provide activity ideas, a sample timeline, videos, stories, and a 45-minute virtual program that you can tune into at any time. In the morning, you can use our reflection guide to capture your thoughts on the experience.
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Are minors (under the age of 18) permitted at Sleep Out?
Yes! Our Sleep Out on March 15, 2024, is open to participants ages 13+. Minors should select the "Youth (In Person)" or "Youth (Virtual)" participant type at registration.
Youth participants (anyone under the age of 18) joining Sleep Out at the Javits Center must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Parents, guardians, and chaperones must also register online as event participants; select the "Adult (In Person)" option at registration.
Youth participants must submit a signed permission slip to [email protected] by March 14, 2024, and bring a paper copy to the event.
Chaperones must be at least 21 years old and either a parent/legal guardian or a teach/leader of the child's participating school or program. Chaperones may accompany up to eight (8) youth participants and must submit a signed agreement by March 14, 2024.
Download the youth permission slip
Download the chaperone agreement
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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.
We ask Sleepers joining us at the Javits Center to work towards a goal of $1,000. 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 $1,000 = $3,000 goal), but you can use your team fundraising page to work collectively towards reaching it.
Sleepers participating virtually can set a fundraising goal of their choice. We will ask that you make a self-donation of $25 to kick off your fundraising efforts.
If you're nervous about fundraising, reach out! Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact Annie Ladd 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.
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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 or cash, please send the Offline Donation Form and check to Covenant House, Attn: Sleep Out, 461 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10001. Be sure you include your name in a note or the memo line.