Covenant House Illinois(CHIL) is a Chicago nonprofit that aims to end youth homelessness. Covenant House's primary goal is to provide shelter to homeless youths. In addition, Covenant House provides them with skill training, legal and mental health services. They help the children to be self-reliant and get back to everyday life. Covenant House website: Homelessness | Covenant House Illinois | Chicago
My father has volunteered his time to this nonprofit for the last three years. I have therefore been familiar with this organization for some time. Every year, a week before Thanksgiving, they do an Executive Sleep Out fundraising event. The Sleep Out objective, as mentioned on the CHIL website, is "The Sleep Out is not about impersonating homelessness. We Sleep Out to show our solidarity with those who are – and to let the world know about the ever-growing population of young people who face homelessness.". Link to the CHIL 2022 Sleep Out video: Sleep Out Chicago 2022 Video - YouTube
This year was my first time taking part in Covenant House Sleep Out. I went to the kickoff event with my father, which was a very humble experience. One of the youths who uses the CHIL facility was interviewed and shared his life journey. After the kickoff ceremony, I was grateful for what I had, but I was also inspired to lend a hand. My objective was to raise $500 using the fundraising page created by Covenant House. This was my first fundraising experience, and thanks to several generous friends and family members who helped me raise more than $600!!
The Sleep Out event
was on 17th November 2022. Most of those who participated in the
fundraising went to Chicago and slept outside in the freezing cold, wind, and
snow. CHIL does not allow kids under 18 to sleep outside. Hence I decided to make
myself uncomfortable and slept on our basement floor. This experience has made
me aware of the awful realities of the world, but it has also made me aware of many
individuals who are willing to help. I'll continue to support Covenant House Sleep
Out beyond this year.
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