NEW YORK -- The sidewalk has been cold, wet, and noisy -- sometimes all at the same time. But in his 14th year participating in the Covenant House’s annual Sleep Out initiative, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has learned this: it never gets more comfortable.
Cashman joined more than 350 business leaders, community advocates and students Thursday evening at the Jacob Javits Center, all giving up their beds to sleep outside in the hopes of raising awareness and critical funds for youth facing homelessness.
“This is an impactful event for Covenant House and obviously drives a lot of awareness,” Cashman said. “These programs need a lot of money, and I think the world is getting tougher and tougher. So it’s more important than ever that Covenant House stays strong so they can impact as many kids as they possibly can.”
Covenant House’s Sleep Out began in 2011 with 48 executives braving the cold. It has since grown into a worldwide effort staged in 19 cities, drawing more than 65,000 participants and generating over $170 million to support the organization’s services.
Participants arrived at the Javits Center shortly after sunset, where youth ambassadors shared their experiences navigating unstable housing and the support Covenant House provides.
The goal is to spotlight a crisis affecting millions of young people each year Cashman has long been one of the organization’s most visible allies, using his platform to draw attention to the scale and urgency of youth homelessness.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” Cashman said. “When you sit and watch the kids go through the program, and hear their stories -- how smart, intelligent, passionate and gifted they are. They were just born in a totally different environment. Given the tools and the opportunity, they can do great things.”
This year’s New York event participants also included CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson and Universal Music Group executive Eric Hutcherson.
For Cashman, the commitment goes beyond climbing into a sleeping bag each November. He serves on the Covenant House International board and often speaks about the need for consistent, year-round support for vulnerable young people.
“There’s some extremely talented kids who just need an opportunity, and guidance, support and love,” Cashman said. “I’m blown away by the people here who are running this place, and doing God’s work.”
For more information or to support Covenant House, visit covenanthouse.org.