Each year, Seer team members come together for the Covenant House Sleep Out, an experience that brings us face-to-face with the realities faced by young people experiencing homelessness. By spending one night outside, we aim to raise both funds and awareness to support Covenant House’s mission, providing vital services like safe shelter, job training, medical care, and mental health counseling for youth in need.
We hope you’ll join us in supporting this cause. Every dollar raised through the Sleep Out directly funds essential services for young people working to rebuild their lives. Please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal.
Walking the Talk: Experiencing Just a Glimpse of Youth Homelessness
By spending just one night outside, we connect—if only briefly—with the discomfort and uncertainty that defines so many of these youths' lives
Below, a few team members share their reflections on why the Sleep Out matters to them and the impact it has on each of us.
“Each year, I participate in the Covenant House Sleep Out. For me, it’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a chance to connect with a cause that’s right in front of us but often goes unseen. Every day, I walk past people who are struggling on the streets, but I know that the need goes so much deeper. For every individual visibly without a home, there are so many more—young people couch surfing or bouncing between unstable places to stay.
Sleep Out has become a tradition for me, one that’s uncomfortable and challenging. Sleeping outside in a box, on a hard, cold surface, with none of the comforts we’re used to, is far from enjoyable. But it’s a powerful reminder of resilience. No, one night doesn’t begin to show me what it’s truly like to be homeless, but it offers a sliver of understanding, a moment to pause and reflect. Lying on the ground in the freezing cold, I realize how different my life is, but also how connected I am to this cause. Just feeling that bone-chilling discomfort for a single night is enough to give me a tiny glimpse into the struggles these young people face daily.
Each year’s Sleep Out feels a little different, shaped by the weather and the energy. Sometimes, it’s bitterly cold, and if it snows, your sleeping bag is damp and miserable. Those nights, you feel the elements in every bone. Lately, though, it’s been the energy from Covenant House’s new executive director, the stories she shares, and the stories from the young people that stick with me. You hear directly from youth who are working hard to turn their lives around, trying to build something better. Knowing that our efforts can support an organization that gives these young people hope and stability is an incredible feeling.
But it’s not just about the youth. It’s also about the staff—the people who show up every day to guide, support, and stand with these young people. They take on roles that require intense empathy and resilience, managing issues like mental health and trauma with unwavering dedication. Part of why I sleep out is to show up for them too, to stand in solidarity with those who give so much of themselves to make a difference.
So every year, I come back to this cold, hard experience—not because it’s easy, but because it matters.” - Wil Reynolds
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“Sleeping outside with Covenant House gave me a glimpse into the struggles that so many homeless youth face every day—challenges I’ve been fortunate not to experience. It was humbling and deepened my understanding of the physical and emotional toll of homelessness.
As a member of the queer community, I know I’m lucky to have had a supportive family, but many LGBTQ+ youth don’t have that privilege. They often find themselves homeless or without a safety net. The Sleep Out is my way of standing with them, giving back, and using my platform to support these resilient young people. If one night out can make even a small difference, give them a safe space, resources, and a bit of hope, I’m all in.” - Jackie Schluth
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"I've slept out about 8 times. It was an easy sell to start sleeping out because no youth should face homelessness. I continue because I can confidently look my friends and family in the eye and tell them their support is going to a meaningful cause." - Eric Stowers
A Call to Support Youth Facing Homelessness
The Covenant House Sleep Out is more than just a single night outside—it’s a reminder of the resilience of young people facing hardships and a call for us to stand alongside them. As we reflect on our experience, we’re grateful for the opportunity to make even a small difference in the lives of these resilient youth.
Please consider supporting our efforts by donating to Covenant House PA. Together, we can help provide the resources, care, and hope these young people need to build brighter futures.
