During his final Sleep Out of the year, Jim White witnessed a moment that captured the heart of Covenant House New Jersey—what it means to keep our doors open, no matter the hour. This reflection shares what unfolded on a cold November night, and why the compassion of our staff and the generosity of our community matter so deeply.
A Message Sent to Those Supporting Jim’s Sleep Out
It was my last Sleep Out of the year, and it was time to head out to the parking lot on a cold November night. As I walked outside, I noticed Alison—our day program supervisor—still behind the desk. Surprised, I asked why she was there, since her shift had ended five hours earlier. She smiled and said, “The overnight staff canceled, so I thought I’d hang around and cover the shift.”
I offered to take over, but if you know Alison, you know her response: “I’m not letting you out of sleeping in a box and freezing your butt off.” We laughed. She went on to explain that Jason, one of our young people, had just finished his first day of work, and she wanted to be there when he came home. That’s the kind of heart that keeps this place going.
2:30 a.m.
Later that night, around 2:30 a.m., I had to get out of my box, as I do every night. As I walked across the parking lot, I saw a silhouette approaching through the glow of the police car lights stationed there to protect the Sleep Out participants. It was John, a young person—scared, tired, and alone.
“Is this Covenant House?” he asked.
“Yes,” I replied. “Come on in.”
I held the door as Alison welcomed him. “Hello, how can I help you?”
“I need a place to stay,” he said. “I’ve got no place to go.”
My heart sank, knowing we were full—no room at the inn, a story that feels all too familiar this time of year. But Alison didn’t hesitate. “Take a seat. I’ll help you.”
“Can we put him in the day room?” I asked.
“Too late,” Alison replied. “About an hour ago, a young woman came in who had been staying with a friend, but the friend’s mother told her she had to leave immediately. She’s in the lounge. Don’t worry—I’ll figure it out.”
And Alison did.
She got John some food, took basic information, and found him a warm, comfortable spot in the boys’ lounge on the second floor. He was safe for the night.
The Next Day
Both young people who arrived that night were under 18. The young woman’s name was Casey. She had spent much of her life in foster care, and we were able to reconnect her to services the next morning.
John was from upstate New York. For some, experiencing homelessness can feel like an Oz experience—there truly is no place like home. John returned home and spent Christmas with his family.
Whether you raised funds through your own Sleep Out or made a contribution to Covenant House New Jersey, thank you for helping keep our doors open—for standing in solidarity with young people who have nowhere else to go, and for making nights like this possible.
Because of you, we are able to help youth like Jason (who loved his first day of work), John (who made it home safely), and Casey (who has returned to foster care), along with the more than 2,400 young people we will serve this year. We could not provide our essential services without your support.
And keep Casey in your thoughts. Thirty-three percent of young people requesting shelter come from the foster care system. I hope Casey won’t need us again—but know that if she does, Alison and the rest of us will be there to welcome her in.
Peace,
Jim
P.S. Your generosity is the light in their darkness. Thank you for being that light.