One night outside.
For the young Alaskans who don't get to choose.
On the third Thursday of November, thousands of business and civic leaders in more than 19 cities across the US sleep outside to raise awareness and raise funds to end youth homelessness. In Anchorage, we will host Sleep Out at the Alaska Native Heritage Center on November 19.
One night in a tent outside. The young people Covenant House Alaska serves have been uncomfortable for a lot longer than that, and most of them didn't get to choose.
Fifty-seven percent of the homeless youth served by Covenant House are Alaska Native. Many came to Anchorage from a village a thousand miles away. About half aged out of a foster care system that handed them their eighteenth birthday and not much else. They are not from someplace else. Alaska is their home, but they need shelter and support.
Before the night, there's a day.
For the first time ever, the Sleep Out begins with a Summit.
The Way Home Summit will take place in the afternoon (beginning at noon) at the Hilton Downtown — business leaders, Alaska Native leadership, law enforcement, social services and medical experts, and civic leaders in one room, focused on one question: what would it actually take to end youth homelessness in Alaska? A keynote. Panel discussions. Audience discussion. Real numbers from Covenant House Alaska's Prevention Demonstration Program, where thirty young people aging out of foster care have gone three years without a single one becoming homeless. This pilot program has defied all odds after years of devastating data.
The Summit ends at the candlelight vigil. Everyone is there for that. Then some people go home, and some people head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center to participate in the Sleep Out event.
Two events. One day. One focused goal and mission.
The Summit gives you the understanding. The Sleep Out gives you the night you'll never quite shake. You can do either one. We'd love it if you did both if possible this year.
Before the night, there's a day.
Already signed up to sleep out? Nothing has changed for you.
The night is the night. November 19 at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
What's new is that the day now has a Summit in front of it. For the first time ever, the Sleep Out begins with a Summit. It's optional — your registration doesn't change, your fundraising doesn't change.
But if you want to participate in the afternoon too, there's a seat for you.
The Way Home Summit will take place in the afternoon (beginning at noon) at the Hilton Downtown — business leaders, Alaska Native leadership, law enforcement, social services and medical experts, and civic leaders in one room, focused on one question: what would it actually take to end youth homelessness in Alaska? A keynote. Panel discussions. Audience discussion. Real numbers from Covenant House Alaska's own breakthrough pilot prevention program, where thirty young people aging out of foster care have gone three years without a single one becoming homeless. This pilot program has defied all odds after years of devastating data.
More Than
Raised in 2024
Impact
Sleep Out: Corporate Edition shines a light on a hidden part of Anchorage — homeless youth and the place where they find safety and loving support. After participating in the Sleep Out: Corporation Edition eight times, I can tell you this event is more than a fundraiser. It's an opportunity to raise awareness and show solidarity to young people with dreams. The dedication of Covenant House staff and the resilience of the youth they serve are deeply humbling and inspiring.
