A few days ago, I came across an unforgettable video online. It is about a charismatic young man who plays the piano and writes his own music. He never had any formal training; he plays by ear. He is a talented and optimistic kid who, fortunately, found his way to Covenant House. He was homeless, but in Covenant House he found a safe haven.
For over 25 years, Covenant House New Orleans has been opening its doors to the thousands of young people in this city who have nowhere else to go. In the past year alone, nearly 700 kids crossed the threshold of Covenant House, with the vast majority finding themselves in crisis and needing immediate care.
Most of us cannot imagine how it would feel to be alone, afraid and homeless at the age of 16. This year, on the Thursday before Thanksgiving (November 20), 150 business and community leaders in New Orleans will participate in the fundraiser and awareness prospect, “Sleep Out for Covenant House,” and gain a heightened understanding of what it must be like to live on the streets.
Participants commit to spending the night on the sidewalk in front of Covenant House, forfeiting a night in their own beds to sleep outside with only a cardboard box and sleeping bag. In addition, participants also are responsible for soliciting sponsors and raising funds.
Most of the kids who knock on the door at Covenant House have never experienced consistent love and care from the adults in their lives. “Sleep Out” is making a difference not only by raising money, but also by showing the young people at Covenant House that they’re not alone.
For more information about “Sleep Out” and to find out how to sponsor a sleeper, visit NewOrleans.TheSleepOut.org and help Covenant House make a difference.
Heard something interesting for “making A difference?”
If so, please send it to: St. Charles Avenue,
110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 or email with the subject line “Making A Difference” Morgan@MyNewOrleans.com
