By Ashmar Mandou

On Thursday evening, many Chicago residents endured the colder temperatures to bring attention to the nearly 9,500 youth facing homelessness every night by partaking in Covenant House Illinois’ annual Sleep Out Chicago event. “November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, and as a number of prominent politicians and community leaders called out earlier this month, Chicago cannot forget about this most vulnerable community as it responds to the larger crisis of homelessness,” said Susan Reyna-Guererro, LCSW, CEO of Covenant House Illinois. To bring homelessness to the forefront, volunteers gave up their beds to place a spotlight on the prevalent issue of youth and raised donations to fund critical support.

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois offers young people (18 to 24 years old) experiencing homelessness an “affirming community, absolute respect and a path to lasting independence.” Covenant House Illinois provides interim and transitional housing programs and a Drop-In Center located on Chicago’s west side as well as creates tailored solutions for each young person that goes beyond short-term support and housing. Sleep Out Chicago makes it possible for Covenant House Illinois to provide more than 70,000 meals and nearly 15,000 secure nights of shelter every year. “Sleep Out Chicago was created for this purpose, to provide a platform for local allies, advocates, and community members to show their support for this invisible population and raise funds to transform their lives and futures,” said Ryan-Guererro.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Center and Rivers Restaurant hosted more than a hundred Sleep Out Chicago volunteers last Thursday. The event included presentations from program staff, group activities, life testimonials and reflections from program recipients, keeping Sleep Out focused on the event’s purpose. Those interested in learning more about Covenant House Illinois or would like to donate, visit www.sleepout.org/chicago.

Photo Credit: Covenant House Illinois