THOUSANDS TO SLEEP OUT AT LANDMARK SPORTS VENUES THIS NOVEMBER IN SUPPORT OF HOMELESS YOUTH

With events at six iconic sports venues, the Covenant House Sleep Out will bring together thousands of fans, business leaders, and community advocates to raise awareness and critical funds for youth experiencing homelessness. Registration is now open for these limited capacity overnight fundraising events.

New York City, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- THOUSANDS TO SLEEP OUT AT LANDMARK SPORTS VENUES THIS NOVEMBER IN SUPPORT OF HOMELESS YOUTH 

This November, Covenant House is inviting people everywhere to take action in support of young people facing homelessness. Over 4.2 million young people ages 13-25 experience a period of homelessness in the U.S. each year. Many youth are escaping abuse, family rejection, or trafficking, and most have nowhere safe to turn. About 50% of all unhoused youth were homeless for the first time in the past year, and nearly half of all young people who experience homelessness do so more than once. These numbers reflect an urgent crisis, but also a powerful opportunity for communities, companies, and advocates to come together and help more young people find safety and stability. 

On November 19 thousands of volunteers will give up their beds for one night to Sleep Out in solidarity with youth experiencing homelessness. Now in its 16th year, the Covenant House Sleep Out movement connected by Cisco will take place in 20 cities, including Covenant House sites in the U.S., Canada, and Guatemala and at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia (PA), Yankee Stadium in the Bronx (NY), Truist Park in Atlanta (GA)*, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford (NJ), Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (MA), and Soldier Field in Chicago (IL). Sleep Out is expected to raise over $16 million this year to provide 24/7 shelter, sanctuary, and support to youth overcoming homelessness. 

“Our proximity to the realities young people face uniquely positions Covenant House to respond from an informed and empowered perspective that centers their experiences. We must be bold to ensure that the needs of our young people are being met, and that we are building partnerships across the Americas through advocacy efforts like the Sleep Out so that we can be as effective as possible,” says Bill Bedrossian, president and CEO, Covenant House International. 

Funds raised through Sleep Out help Covenant House provide youth with the support they need today and the tools to build brighter futures, including safe shelter, nourishing food, clean clothing, job training, education, physical and mental healthcare, legal aid, and housing navigation. These services help young people move from crisis to stability and pursue lives free from homelessness.  

Sleep Out is more than a night in an iconic sports venue or outside a Covenant House site. It is an act of solidarity and a meaningful way for participants to learn, connect, and advocate for young people who need safety and opportunity. Current and former Covenant House residents will share their stories, experts will help participants understand how to advocate for solutions, and attendees will build community in support of the cause. Every participant helps expand the movement to end youth homelessness. 

Covenant House Pennsylvania’s partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025 showed how a landmark venue can inspire more people to join the movement and deepen local support. Led by Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton, the Sleep Out at Citizens Bank Park raised more than $1 million, a 77% year-over-year fundraising growth. “We are committed to making a difference for the youth of our city, aiding in the important mission of Covenant House. We aim to bring shelter, stability, and hope to far too many children who so desperately need it,” shared Middleton. 

Longtime partner in NYC, the New York Yankees signed on to host the Sleep Out again this year (they last hosted in 2019). “Being deeply involved with Covenant House over the last 15 years, I have seen the transformative effect of its expert care and programming,” said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman. “More than ever, Covenant House needs to stay strong, and participating in this event provides the critical funding required to change the trajectory of the lives of thousands of young people across the country who deserve a chance to have happy and productive futures.” Cashman serves on the board of directors for Covenant House International. 

The Covenant House Sleep Out is connected by Cisco, a longtime leader in the Sleep Out movement. Cisco’s participation grew from seven sleepers in 2014 to as many as 700 Sleepers across Cisco. Patrick Morrissey, SVP of Americas Sales, seven-time Sleep Out participant, and Covenant House International board member, expressed his reasons for being a part of the Sleep Out movement. “Every Sleep Out changes my perspective — you wake up cold and tired, then go home to heat and safety, reminded that so many people don’t have that option when the night ends. Hearing the stories of Covenant House alumni and what they’ve overcome never loses its power. The experience and those stories stay with me and are why I keep showing up, setting bigger goals, and bringing more of the Cisco team with me.” 

From landmark ballparks and stadiums to local Covenant House sites, the Sleep Out reminds us that youth homelessness is preventable and solvable when people choose to take action together. By registering, fundraising, or supporting a participant, individuals and companies can help young people move from crisis to stability and achieve sustainable independence.  

Key partners helping raise critical funds and awareness for youth experiencing homelessness include Accenture, Atlanta Braves Foundation, Cencora, Cisco, Delta Air Lines, Gas South, Gillette Stadium, Humble Bundle, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Take–Two Interactive, and Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation. 

To join the Sleep Out movement, visit sleepout.org. 

*Sleep Out at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA will be held on Friday, November 13. 

 

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ABOUT COVENANT HOUSE 

Covenant House is the leading organization in North and Central America serving youth experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking. Primarily privately funded, Covenant House operates 24/7 in 34 cities across five countries, providing safe shelter and comprehensive services. Grounded in unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support, Covenant House empowers youth to overcome adversity and build independent futures. Together with committed partners, Covenant House is advancing a shared vision to end youth homelessness. 

ABOUT SLEEP OUT 

Sleep Out began in 2011 when 48 brave executives spent the night outside and started a real movement. Now, more than 65,000 people have given up their beds and have raised $185 million for Covenant House services and programs. 

Attachments

• 2025 Sleep Out at Citizens Bank Park
• Sleep Out at Yankee Stadium

Pam Sandonato
Covenant House 
psandonato@covenanthouse.org