Close to 20 students from the RKYHS Homeless Awareness Chug spent time gaining insight into the lives of homeless teens, handing out much needed supplies, followed by a solidarity sleepout at school. The Covenant House Sleep Out is an international movement of individuals who accept the challenge to sleep outside for one night so that homeless kids don’t have to. The participants raised funds and awareness for Covenant House, a network of shelters that provides safety and support to homeless young people in more than 30 cities across the United States, Canada and Latin America.

In February before the event, the students took a tour of Covenant House to learn firsthand about the challenges that the young adults they work with face on a daily basis.

On Thursday night, the students went into New York City and visited the homeless in the Port Authority bus terminal and New York Penn Station. They distributed food and clothes to the homeless they encountered. The students also distributed much needed socks that were collected for the organization “Knock Knock Give a Sock” which was founded by alum Adina Lichtman (JKHA ‘’07/RKYHS ‘11).

When the students returned to the school, the students reflected on their time interacting with the homeless in New York City. All of the students then slept outside for the night to feel what it’s like to experience homelessness for one evening. They all came away understanding and empathizing with the plight of so many homeless people in this country and plan on continuing to raise awareness.