Empathy For Homeless Youth: NJ Devils To Host ‘Sleep Out’ Event

NEWARK, NJ — The NJ Devils organization and local shelter group Covenant House New Jersey are teaming up to host a unique fundraising event aimed at building empathy for homeless youth.

The “Sleep-Out” event at the Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, March 24 will give participants a small glimpse into what it’s like to be a homeless teen or child living on the streets. During the fundraiser, participants will spend the night sleeping outside on the Prudential Center’s Championship Plaza in cardboard boxes and sleeping bags, organizers said.

The Sleep-Out will begin following the Devils’ home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning around 10:15 p.m. and will end around 7 a.m. Those interested in participating can go to www.NJDevilsSleepOut.org.

Fundraisers at the March 24 event will also get a chance to meet formerly homeless youth such as “Ashley,” a Prudential Center employee who was living in the woods in Asbury Park when the Covenant House Outreach Team brought him to its shelter four years ago.

“I have never been afraid to walk in my truth,” the 24-year-old said. “If I can help raise awareness so that just one more kid gets the kind of help I’ve gotten from Covenant House and the people at the Prudential Center, it will be all worth it.”

According to event organizers, participating teams are asked to raise at least $1,000 to benefit Covenant House New Jersey. Read an event FAQ list here.

“My teammates and I are fortunate enough to live out our lifelong dreams of playing hockey in front of the greatest fans in the world,” New Jersey Devils Captain Andy Greene said. “Yet we know that there are thousands of kids across New Jersey who are living a nightmare on the streets, which is heartbreaking to all of us... however there is hope for these children.”

• See related article: Essex County Had Most Homeless In New Jersey For 2017, Study Says
• See related article: Life Through The Lens Of Homeless NJ Photographers (GALLERY)

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