Sleep Out: South Bay Teens Help Unhoused Youth by Giving Up Their Beds
Would you give up your bed for a night to help unhoused youth in your community? That’s the question being answered in the most inspiring way by a group of local teens from Palos Verdes High School. Inspired by a deeply personal family connection to the cause, two students and best friends, Liam Hartigan and Henry Armstrong, organized the school’s first-ever junior Sleep Out event to raise awareness and funds for Covenant House California.
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A Personal Mission, A Powerful Movement
The idea for the club and event was sparked by Liam Hartigan’s family, who has supported Covenant House for years. His father participates annually in the Covenant House Sleep Out in Hollywood, where adults spend the night on the streets in solidarity with unhoused youth. Too young to join the official Hollywood event themselves, the students took it upon themselves to bring the cause home—literally.
With permission from the school and coordination from Covenant House staff, they launched a student-led club and hosted their own version of the event. Roughly 15 students committed to sleeping on garage floors, in backyards, or anywhere without the comfort of a bed—simulating, in some small way, the realities of homeless youth.
“It’s not about comfort – it’s about action, and awareness that millions of youth go to sleep each night without the safety of a bed, or the love of a family… and I’m extremely proud of the kids that have joined from Palos Verdes High School,” said Carolina Hartigan.
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What Is Sleep Out?
Sleep Out is a global movement founded by Covenant House to raise awareness and critical funds for young people facing homelessness. Participants—known as Sleepers—spend one night outdoors after a period of fundraising and education, symbolizing their solidarity with those who don’t have a safe place to call home.
Events often include guest speakers, discussion circles, and opportunities for reflection. Since 2011, Sleep Out has raised over $118 million and helped Covenant House expand its life-saving services to over 2,000 young people.
How One Night Can Make a Difference
Every dollar raised through Sleep Out helps Covenant House provide shelter, food, clothing, education, medical services, and support for youth ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness. The South Bay teens have already raised over $5,300 through their campaign, with more donations continuing to come in.
“Gratitude. It made me even more grateful for all the things I have…I also feel like nobody should have to go without basic needs of love & shelter. I’m so grateful for everyone who made the sacrifice to participate, and all the friends and family that have been so generous and supportive.” said Liam Hartigan
Want to Help?
You can support the PV High students’ Sleep Out campaign by donating directly to their fundraising page here go to sleepout.org and search “Palos Verdes High School.” Any amount helps—and every donation goes directly to Covenant House to support youth in need.To learn more about Sleep Out or how to organize your own event, visit sleepout.org.
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Don’t miss our first edition of Discover South Bay, Local Anchor’s first printed summer magazine!
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