Everything you need to know about the (Re)Insurance Industry Edition Sleep Out

Date: September 13, 2019
Time: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Location: New York City

Event Coordinator: Pamela Sandonato
Phone: 212-727-4990
Email: [email protected]


Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to participate in the Sleep Out?
Participants in the Sleep Out: (Re)Insurance must:
   • Be at least 23 years of age
   • Be connected to the insurance or (re)insurance industry
   • Commit to raising awareness about the issue of youth homelessness
   • Strive to raise at least $2,000 in support of Covenant House leading up to the event, using the online portal provided

What is expected of each participant?
We expect participants to approach Sleep Out with an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to work hard for something outside of your comfort zone. All participants are required to fundraise before the event, but you’re not on your own! Our team provides coaching, materials, and support to help you reach your goal.

I want to Sleep Out. What’s my next step?
Register online to reserve your spot, or contact us at [email protected] or 212-727-4990.

Why do I have to fundraise? And how much do I need to raise?
The Sleep Out is a unique experience that we hope encourages awareness, empathy, and understanding for the immeasurable odds that homeless young people overcome. But while awareness of a problem is important, it isn’t a solution.

We ask Sleep Out participants to raise critical funds that allow Covenant House to offer safety, shelter, and support to young people facing homelessness 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. By fundraising, Sleep Out participants become part of the solution for teenagers experiencing homelessness.

For this event, we ask participants to work towards a $2,000 fundraising goal. We know you can do it - getting started is as easy as sending an email - and our team is available every step of the way to provide the tips, materials, and guidance you need to reach your goal.

Will I be safe?
Safety is our first and foremost concern, whether it is for the young people we serve or for supporters at events. We take all necessary precautions to ensure you are safe at the Sleep Out. And while the spirit of the event is to sleep outside, indoor space remains available throughout the night.

Can a friend or family member Sleep Out with me?
Yes, so long as they meet the eligibility requirements listed above and register for the event in advance. If you want, you can even create a team page and invite friends, family, and co-workers to join (just remember that all attendees must be registered). Please contact us at [email protected] or 212-727-4990 with any questions.

What should I bring?
We suggest you bring a sleeping bag, weather-appropriate layers of clothing, personal toiletries and medications, and a smartphone (if you use one). We will provide you with only a cardboard box and plastic trash bag for the overnight.

If you do not own a sleeping bag and need to purchase one, here's one we have used in the past(note: if you purchase using Amazon Smile, select Covenant House as your preferred charity and we will receive a portion of the proceeds!).

Why do I have to bring my own sleeping bag this year?
We work hard to keep the cost of Sleep Out low to ensure that the majority of funds raised are directed where they're needed most -- to our kids and the programs we offer them.

This year, we are hosting the Sleep Out off-site while Covenant House New York is undergoing construction. In an effort to defer new expenses associated with this move and maintain our strong track record as an event with a high return on investment, we are asking participants to bring their own sleeping bags. Not only does this eliminate the cost of the sleeping bags, it also significantly defers our storage and transportation costs. These savings allow us to direct more funds to kids overcoming homelessness.

What should I leave at home?
Please refrain from bringing any luxury bedding items, pillows, etc. as we expect you to sleep rough for one night in solidarity with homeless kids. We do not recommend that you sleep outside with any valuable items. We also ask that you refrain from bringing alcohol; Sleep Out is always a dry event.

I received some donations in cash and checks. What do I do with them?
You can add cash or check donations to your page through your Participant Dashboard. Once logged into your account, hover over the “Donations” icon in the black menu at the top of your screen and click 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.

Once you have entered the gift, you can either bring the donations with you to the Sleep Out or mail to our office (be sure to include your name in a note or the Memo line!):

Covenant House
Attn: (Re)Insurance Sleep Out
461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001


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