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 directly 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.

Yes! This Sleep Out 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 sleepout@covenanthouse.org by November 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 teacher/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 November 14, 2024. 

Download the youth permission slip

Download the chaperone agreement

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 and work towards a fundraising goal of at least $1,000 (with support from a fundraising coach!).

Sleepers who are not able to join us in person can participate from home (this is an excellent option if you want to Sleep Out with young children!). These Sleepers must identify a location to Sleep Out that is safe and legal and can work towards a fundraising goal of your choice.

All Sleepers must register online to participate (this is also how you gain access to your fundraising page, a fundraising toolkit and coach, and, for those participating from home, a guide on how to plan your night). 

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 each Sleeper 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. 

If you're nervous about fundraising, reach out! Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us 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 signing up as a virtual participant which allows you to set a goal that feels right for you. 

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.