2021-November-15

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We Sleep Out So Kids Don’t Have To

BY VERA FISHER

WITH HELEN GALL

Everyone has their own “why” when asked the reason they support a particular organization. For those who become involved with Covenant House through the annual Sleep Out, it’s no different.

Tony DeGruy from Team Oakland is one of our top fundraisers.

Some employees have experienced homelessness themselves. Some have deep compassion for the pain that people who experience homelessness can feel.

Others know young folks who have experienced homelessness and could have benefitted from an organization like Covenant House.

During the annual fundraiser, which takes place this year on November 18, participants give up their beds in solidarity with the millions of young people experiencing homelessness every day.

This year, like last year, members of Team Cisco will be sleeping out virtually from their homes — on kitchen floors, in backyards, or balconies.

It’s not too late to register and join them — or to show your support by donating to one of our teams.

What it’s like to sleep out

“At 2 a.m., I woke up. It was cold, and getting colder. I was uncomfortable and knew I would have to get up in a couple hours and get ready for my day,” recalls Tony DeGruy, a service delivery management leader, reflecting on his first Covenant House Sleep Out in 2020 on Team Oakland.

“But I knew I would be able to go inside and have a hot shower and hot cup of coffee. That’s when it hit me: This is what youth experiencing homelessness go through every day. I knew I had a warm bed to sleep in the next night and youth experiencing homelessness don’t.”

Tony’s “why” is that he believes Covenant House aligns with his core values and his commitment to eradicating youth homelessness in his community.

Monica Naim is Co-Captain of Team Philadelphia.

A firsthand understanding

Monica Naim, a regional leader for commercial collaboration in Philladelphia, knows firsthand the value of an organization like Covenant House and the difference it can make.

Having experienced homelessness as a teen, she remembers the support she received from organizations like Covenant House, including clothing, help with bills, and unconditional love.

All of which helped her know things would get better.

Monica also knew her experience with homelessness was just a part of her story, not her future. Likewise, the youth living at Covenant House locations understand that with support and love there is no limit to their dreams.

We’re all responsible for one another

Alejandra Hernandez Montano, a TAC manager within the security team in Mexico City, grew up helping those less fortunate and feels that her support of Covenant House today is in honor of the children she helped then.

Alejandra Hernandez Montano is a member of Team LatAm/International.

During the 2020 Sleep Out, as she was sleeping on her living room floor — without heat — Alejandra reflected on the youth, especially girls, who don’t have a roof over their heads. She acknowledged they likely don’t sleep very well, fearful of their safety.

Alejandra believes we’re all responsible for one other and that if each of us takes action it can add up to a big change in the world.

Show your support

Not matter what your “why” is, please donate or join us for this year’s Sleep Out on November 18.

The goal is to have 2,000 Cisconians sleep out in solidarity with the 2,000 young people that Covenant House helps at their locations across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

Help us show these people that they are not alone.