Detroit Sleep Out Brings Community Together to Confront Youth Homelessness

November 19, 2025

Covenant House Michigan will host its 12th annual Sleep Out event on November 20th in Detroit, where participants will spend a night sleeping on cardboard and tarps to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness. The event comes as Michigan reported over 35,000 homeless students during the 2023-2024 school year, many of whom struggle to maintain focus on education while lacking stable housing. Since 1997, Covenant House Michigan has served more than 80,000 young people aged 18-24, providing not just emergency shelter but comprehensive services including education support, job training, mental health care, and housing assistance.

Who is affected

35,495 homeless students identified in Michigan during the 2023-2024 school year
Young people ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness in Detroit and Michigan
More than 80,000 young people who have sought services from Covenant House Michigan since 1997
160 youth who transitioned into stable housing in the last year
Participants in the Sleep Out event (community members, business leaders, faith groups, educators, students, and families)
Staff at Covenant House Michigan

What action is being taken

Covenant House Michigan is hosting the annual Sleep Out event on Thursday, November 20th
Participants are building temporary campsites and sleeping outside overnight
The organization is providing shelter operations, meals, healthcare access, clothing, education assistance, job training, and individualized support
Staff are helping young people finish high school or GED programs, prepare for employment, rebuild family relationships, and secure long-term housing
Delta Air Lines is serving as presenting sponsor

Why it matters

Youth homelessness represents a critical crisis affecting tens of thousands of young people in Michigan who must navigate education and daily life without stable housing, facing nights in shelters, cars, or on the streets. The instability creates long-term barriers involving family conflict, poverty, aging out of foster care, and lack of safety nets that prevent young people from achieving stability and safety. Cold weather transforms housing insecurity into an immediate life-threatening crisis, making consistent shelter and comprehensive support services essential for survival and future success. The event raises both funds and visibility for services that provide not just emergency beds but holistic support helping young people rebuild their lives through education, employment training, mental health care, and pathways to permanent housing.

What's next

The Sleep Out event will continue overnight from Thursday evening into Friday morning, November 21st
Community members can participate or support the effort by visiting covenanthousemi.org/events/sleep-out
Organizers hope the night inspires deeper ongoing involvement through volunteering, advocacy, donations, or continued conversations about youth homelessness

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle