Sleep Out: Executive Edition raises funds and awareness for Covenant House Vancouver’s Crisis Program to provide young people with shelter, support, and a path to a brighter future. As an executive and business leader, you have the power to inspire your networks, drive meaningful change, and demonstrate that the fight to end youth homelessness is a shared responsibility across all sectors of society. We need your help — join Sleep Out: Executive Edition today.
What is Sleep Out?
The evening of Sleep Out is thoughtfully designed to be more than just a night spent sleeping outside; it’s an immersive experience that opens your eyes and heart to the realities of youth homelessness. From the moment you arrive, the night is filled with activities that provide education, foster empathy, and inspire action.
You gather with other participants at Covenant House Vancouver. The room is buzzing with energy as people check in, drop off their overnight bags, and find their bearings.
The evening officially begins with a welcome address from the Covenant House team. They set the tone for what’s to come: a night of learning, reflection, and solidarity. You feel a sense of comradery as the room settles, and the first part of the program—a panel discussion—begins. Experts on youth homelessness, including social workers, counsellors, and youth workers share their knowledge and experiences. They provide critical insights into the systemic issues that lead to youth homelessness—everything from family breakdown, mental health struggles, and economic disparities, to the gaps in the social safety net that make it challenging for young people to find stability.
As the educational sessions conclude, the group comes together again for what is often the most moving part of the night—the stories shared by young people who have been supported by Covenant House. Youth share their journeys, from the moments that led them to Covenant House, to the people and programs that helped them. These stories are powerful; they move you from the theoretical understanding of homelessness to a deeply personal connection with those who have lived it.
After these activities, the evening transitions to the outdoor portion. With a new perspective and heightened sense of purpose, you and the other participants make your way outside. You find a spot on the ground and lay out your piece of cardboard. There are no luxuries—just the open sky, the cold ground, and your sleeping bag.
The purpose is not to rest comfortably but to spend a night in solidarity, and reflect on what you’ve learned, feel a fraction of the discomfort, and think about the change that is needed.
In the morning, as the event comes to an end, there is a sense of shared accomplishment and a renewed commitment among participants. The conversations over a simple breakfast are filled with ideas on how to advocate for change, support Covenant House, and continue the fight against youth homelessness. You leave knowing that Sleep Out is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for change—within yourself, your community, and the lives of the young people who deserve a safe place to call home.