I have this wild dream of one day waking up in the comfort of my home knowing that all of the DMV's youth are able to do the same. What fuels me is knowing that it is actually a possibility....with enough awareness, funding and ACTION. Many of you know that I go MIA during Hypothermia Season because I volunteer all of my spare time working in DC's shelters ensuring that our homeless population has access to heat, a bed, and a hot meal.

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Every year, I accept the challenge to Sleep Out with Covenant House where I serve as a Young Professional Advisory Council Member. This Thursday, I am going to spend a night sleeping on the street so a homeless kid won’t have to. It sounds outrageous, I know. It will be uncomfortable. It will be dark. But for one night I can give up the comforts of home knowing that - by doing so - I can bring warmth and hope to young people who need it most.

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I’ll be getting to know some young people who live at Covenant House, and learning how they are using the services available to them through this organization to build new lives for themselves. Then, at midnight, when the kids go to sleep in their beds with pillows and blankets of their own, I’ll head outside with a cardboard box and a sleeping bag, to look for an unoccupied piece of pavement.

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I think the experience will be even more meaningful if we do it together, so - will you join me? Here are the details:

Date: November 17, 2016
Location: Freedom Plaza

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Thousands of kids spend each night on the unforgiving streets of our great cities. Countless others are staying with relatives or friends, dreading the day when there is no one else to take them in. And one night can make a difference.

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If you aren’t able to join us Thursday please consider donating any amount. I know that sometimes it’s hard to decide which cause or organization to support with your dollars - especially when everyone seems deserving, and there’s only so much to go around. No matter the size of your donation, the value of it to these kids who have so little is enormous. Because it’s more than what the money provides - it’s a symbol that you care.

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Thank you for helping me get one step closer to my goal for the Sleep Out! I appreciate your support more than I can possibly say – and couldn’t do this work without you.