Covenant House Sleep Out Coverage - Fundraiser for shelter and services for homeless youth

77 "Sleepers" Raise $110,000 at Covenant House Sleep Out May 17 to 18 in  Asbury Park

The Covenant House Sleepout on May 17, 2019 at Trinity Church in Asbury Park raised over $110,000 to help supply shelter and support to homeless youth. 

77 sleepers participated, including  long -time supporters like local celebrity chefs Joe Leone and Marilyn Schlossbach, as well as local clergy and politicians, such as Moira Nelson and Michael Penna, both running for Monmouth County Freeholder.  Sue and Jim Harbison and Marta Quinn from HABCOREjoined the annual Asbury Park Sleepout after hearing about it at the GRBWI-hosted panel on homelessness.

Sleepers ate a light dinner with some of the Covenant House youth and heard from a panel of youth and Covenant House staff.  Then they all participated in a candlelight vigil to share prayers and show solidarity for homeless youth and others in need. 

Reflecting on her sleepout experience, Freeholder candidate Moira Nelson observed that "These bright, young folks are thriving. The Covenant House staff and volunteers wrap them in care and resources to assist them in getting back on their feet." 

Nelson's running mate, Michael Penna added, "Sleeping out in the street in Asbury Park really got all of us involved to experience what the young people of Monmouth County go through when they are Homeless. It felt so lonely and vulnerable to be there on the street. "

Funds generated by the sleepout as well as any donations you care to make will be used for Monmouth County's Covenant House Outreach and a program called Rites of Passage, which provides shelter and support for homeless youths in Asbury Park who are working and/or attending school. Thank you, Liz DeBeer, for this report!  Donations are still being accepted at https://www.sleepout.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=794.