Covenant House Pennsylvania To Host Two Sleep Out: Executive Edition Events To Raise Awareness Of Homeless Youth

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Covenant House Pennsylvania, the region's largest shelter exclusively serving homeless youth, is hosting two Sleep Out: Executive Edition events at their Philadelphia and York, Pa., locations November 17 and 18.

Covenant House Pennsylvania is the largest shelter for youth under 21 in Philadelphia, and recently opened a drop-in center in York dedicated exclusively to serving homeless teenagers and adolescents, including young mothers with babies of their own, who have been victims of abuse or neglect, who have been in and out of foster care, or who have been pushed out or thrown away because they identify as LGBTQ.

"We're always inspired by the business leaders that come out and sleep on the streets for a night to raise awareness for our youth," said John Ducoff, Executive Director of Covenant House Pennsylvania. "These are smart, kind, determined, generous individuals and we need to step up and help support these young people so they can become the next generation of entrepreneurs, artists, lawyers and doctors. With the help of these professionals, we're able to provide critical services for these homeless and trafficked youth so that they can feel like they have the support and encouragement to help them achieve their dreams."  

Now in its fifth year in Philadelphia, Covenant House has raised $550,000 to help homeless youth. "We're excited to have the Sleep Outs in two locations this year," said Ducoff. "Last year, we had to turn away 546 youth due to lack of space, and I hope that with the help of the business leaders in Pennsylvania, we're able to raise funding and awareness so that we don't have to turn away another young person."

Business leaders will receive a cardboard box and a spot of pavement as the youth at Covenant House Pennsylvania tell their stories of transformation and success. Representatives of Covenant House Pennsylvania will also be in attendance to give a tour of the facility where they'll learn about the services offered to the youth and hear from young people whose lives were changed with help from Covenant House Pennsylvania.  

Prior to both Sleep Outs on November 17 and 18, a candle light vigil will be held to honor homeless youth who have lost their lives in front of the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul in Philadelphia, and in front of City Hall in York. Current residents of Covenant House Pennsylvania will march in Center City Philadelphia to pay tribute and also raise awareness of the young people who lost their lives to the street.

Covenant House Pennsylvania's mission is to help homeless youth leave the streets and move into housing programs that provide the support, skills, and encouragement they need to graduate high school, go to college, and turn their dreams into reality. To learn more and make a donation, visit http://covhou.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1782&pg=entry.

About Covenant House Pennsylvania

Established in Philadelphia in 1999, Covenant House Pennsylvania (CHPA) is the largest provider of services exclusively for homeless and runaway youth in the city. CHPA serves runaway, homeless, and trafficked youth, including mothers with children, through 21 years of age, working to help youth escape the streets and transition to a life with stable housing, a solid educational foundation, and sustained employment.  CHPA also provides longer–term living accommodations and support for youth through 24 years of age. CHPA's primary goal is to create a relationship with their kids based upon unconditional love and absolute respect. CHPA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.covenanthousepa.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 
Natalie Buyny
Tierney
Phone: 717-231-5341
[email protected]  

SOURCE Covenant House Pennsylvania

Related Links

http://covenanthousepa.org