Sleep Out raises Awareness about Florida’s Homeless Youth

Submitted by Kadi Tarlecky

       FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -– On November 21st, Covenant House Florida (CHF) hosted their 12th Annual Sleep Out to shine a light on the crisis of youth homelessness. Supporters gathered at the safe haven in Fort Lauderdale for an evening of inspiring youth stories and meaningful conversations with experts. After a symbolic candlelight vigil to show solidarity with young people who face homelessness, the group slept just outside the safe haven.

The mission of Covenant House Florida is to provide youth ages 18-24 the relentless support, absolute respect, and unconditional love they need to gain sustainable independence. Young people receive access to shelter, daily necessities, medical services, mental health care, and educational and career resources – at no cost to them. CHF relies greatly on private donations to make this possible. This year, Sleep Out raised $377,800, and continues to receive new donations.

     The evening began with a short program attended by volunteers and supporters from partner organizations including Cisco, Mathnasium, Hard Rock Heals Foundation, Accenture, Delta, CITY Furniture, Avolta, Seacoast Bank, Holman Automotive, and Brown & Brown Insurance.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep,” says Stephanie Piimauna, Senior Vice President of People & Inclusion and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Seminole Hard Rock Support Services. “Covenant House’s efforts to combat human trafficking and provide safe spaces for our most vulnerable align deeply with the core values of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, and we are proud to support their mission all year round, especially during the holiday season when the need is greatest.” Additional public awareness support was created by the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida when they lit up the iconic Guitar Hotel with the Covenant House logo from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

       “There’s more to Sleep Out than a night without a bed,” explains Mo Khalil, CHF Board Chair and Mathnasium’s CEO. “Sleep Out raises critical funds to help Covenant House provide 24/7 shelter, sanctuary, and support to youth overcoming homelessness. And the experience includes opportunities to learn from experts, hear inspiring stories, and advocate for a future where everyone has a safe place to sleep.”

“Through Sleep Out, we can raise more awareness and take action that will make a difference for every young person who is able to access CHF’s life-changing programs and services at no cost,” says John Wunder, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Strategy Planning and Operations at Cisco. Wunder was recognized during the Sleep Out program for having raised the most donations over the last three years.

“This year our goal of providing a safe, nurturing place for youth facing homelessness has become even more vital,” points out Reneé Trincanello, CEO of Covenant House Florida. “The Florida Senate Bill 1530 and U.S. Supreme Court ruling gave cities the ability to ban people from sleeping and camping in public places. Young people can now be criminalized and jailed, even if they have nowhere else to go.”

   “Youth aging out of foster care and other vulnerable populations may be forced into unsafe conditions or face fines and arrest under the new law,” Trincanello continues. “Because of this, we need the support from everyone in our community now, more than ever, so that CHF can meet the needs of every young person who comes through our doors.”

Sleep Out is a global event held annually in November, which is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, to amplify a shared message—It’s time to end youth homelessness.

Covenant House Florida is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with two locations: a safe haven in Fort Lauderdale and a resource center in Orlando. For more information, visit the CHF website at www.covenanthousefl.org.