One night. With one purpose. Sleepers and their supporters came together to raise over $1 million dollars for young people who are experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and those who have experienced human trafficking.
Sleep Out has grown into a movement, a movement of hope, compassion, and advocacy. Together, we will continue working to ensure that if a young person needs help, we will always be here to welcome them in and provide a safe space to heal, grow and thrive.
Each sleeper chose to give up their bed to provide life-changing care to the youth who access support at Covenant House Vancouver. We thank our sleepers for their generosity, empathy, and the incredible kindness that is in each of your hearts.
Participants had an opportunity to tour our new building and learn how we support young people by helping ensure immediate needs like food and housing are met. While also providing wrap-a-round support including medical care and counsellors, help to exit human trafficking, and access to social workers.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from our program staff and young people who have received care at Covenant House Vancouver. When asked who the youth that come to CHV are Social Worker Louisa shared, “It’s your child’s best friend in school. It’s the person you are walking by on the street. Anyone can end up in need. They’re anyone. And they are brave enough to come to the door and ask for help.”
When asked about what led them to Covenant House one young person shared, “My own parents who were supposed to save me and protect me, but left me homeless in a new country. I was hopeless. Covenant House welcomed me as a person. They saved me and they protected me.”
The morning reflection provided sleepers an opportunity to connect about their experience. Sleepers shared how they felt during the night, and how challenging it was to wake up and get going. One sleeper had learned during the tour how important life skills are for youth, and realized how challenging it would be to learn after spending even one night on the street let alone many. Emotions were high, and the room was filled with a new understanding of what youth who are experiencing homelessness go through.
No young person should be without a home — period. Tonight, our sleepers and their communities raised critical awareness, much-needed funds, and helped ensure youth have a safe place to call home. We want to give a very special thank you to our matching donors, George and Sylvia Melville, for providing $150,000 in matching donations
It’s not too late to support the Sleep Out Movement and fundraising for teams and individuals will remain open until December 31, 2022.
Thank you to our sleepers for being champions for young people and for being part of the movement to end youth homelessness!
