Business leaders and community groups are being encouraged to support homeless youth and survivors of human trafficking by participating in Covenant House New Jersey’s “Sleep Out” events this November. The events will be held in Newark, Atlantic City, and MetLife Stadium.
The Sleep Out initiative, now in its 14th year, aims to raise essential funds and awareness. Mary Lonergan, corporate partnerships & foundation officer at CHNJ, described it as a significant opportunity for team building and networking among business and community groups.
In the fiscal year 2024, the nonprofit assisted 1,887 homeless youth, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. There is currently a waiting list of nearly 100 young individuals seeking help.
“We have a lot to do to help end youth homelessness in New Jersey and ‘Sleep Out’ is our largest fundraiser, having raised over $20 million to date in New Jersey since its inception back in 2011,” Lonergan stated.
Lonergan also mentioned that professionals are welcome to join individually or as part of a team. "There’s no fee to register; we just ask that everyone do their best to fundraise and submit for their company match if offered," she said.
The scheduled Sleep Out events are as follows:
- Nov. 14-15: Sleep Out at CHNJ’s Newark Youth Engagement Center
- Nov. 15-16: Sleep Out Atlantic City (at-home virtual option available)
- Nov. 21-22: Sleep Out at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford hosted by the NY Giants
For more details, visit Covenant House New Jersey’s website.
