Sleep Out is not about pretending to be homeless; it’s a catalyst for change — within ourselves, the community, and the lives of the young people who deserve a safe place to call home.
Did you know?
- The 2023 Greater Vancouver Homeless Count showed a 32% increase in homelessness, over the past three years
- Young people between the ages of 13 and 24 make up an estimated 9% or more of homeless populations
- 40% of homeless youth first experienced homelessness before the age of 16
- Over 50% of homeless youth say abuse at home contributed to their homelessness
- A disproportionate number of homeless youth are Indigenous
On November 21, a caring group of close to 40 local business and community leaders bundled into sleeping bags and stretched out on cardboard to sleep in a city alley, to raise funds and awareness for youth homelessness.
The evening begins with a panel discussion from frontline staff who provide critical insights into the systemic issues that lead to youth homelessness — family breakdown, mental health struggles, economic disparities, and gaps in the social safety net that make it challenging for young people to find stability.
Then participants heard stories from youth who share their journeys to Covenant House and reflected on how Covenant House has helped them.
“When I first got to Covenant House and walked through the doors, I felt a sense of warmth and safety,” said Willow, a past resident who joined two other youth speakers during the evening panel discussion. “When I finished the intake [process], and I had a bedroom to sleep in, that’s when I knew, okay, I’m safe here.”
During the morning that followed the Sleep Out event, Covenant House Vancouver CEO, Deb Lester, and RBC BC Regional President, Martin Thibodeau, went to CTV, to discuss youth homelessness, Sleep Out, and the impact that Covenant House Vancouver can make in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable.
Seven-time Sleep Out participant Ronan Deane shared why he takes part: “Every time I come, I learn something new about Covenant House Vancouver that I didn’t know before,” he said. “I have teenage girls, and it’s not hard to think that they could be in the same situation as of any of the kids here. Life throws many curveballs at people.”
Thanks to the efforts of the participants, and the support of the community, Sleep Out has raised $1,010,778 and counting!
It’s not too late to support this event! Sleep Out donations will be accepted until December 31. You can donate here.
If you would like to get involved with Sleep Out, you can join the 2025 Sleep Out: Champions Edition, which happens on February 20. You can join as an individual, create a team, join an existing team, or donate to the Sleep Out event.
For details, and to sign up, click here.
Thank you to everyone who supports Sleep Out and the vulnerable youth in the community.
