Soldier Field to Host 10th Annual Sleep Out for Youth Homelessness
Covenant House Illinois sets a $1 million goal for the November 19 event, which joins a national movement at five other major stadiums.
By Leila Mansour ·
For the first time in its history, Sleep Out Chicago will take place at Soldier Field. On Thursday, November 19, 2026, hundreds of Chicagoans are expected to give up their beds for a night to sleep in one of the city's most iconic venues. The primary purpose of the event is to raise funds and increase public awareness regarding young people who are experiencing homelessness.
This year's event is part of a broader national movement organized by Covenant House locations across the country. In addition to the Chicago gathering, stadium Sleep Outs are scheduled to take place at five other major venues. These locations include Gillette Stadium, Yankee Stadium, MetLife Stadium, Truist Park, and Citizens Bank Park.
Covenant House Illinois has established a specific fundraising target for the 2026 event. The organization aims to raise one million dollars to support its mission. The funds collected will be used to provide essential services to young people, including housing, food, mental health support, education, and employment resources. These services are designed to help participants build a future beyond homelessness.
The event marks the tenth annual Sleep Out in Chicago. The organization is seeking to share this story with a wider audience to highlight the ongoing need for youth housing solutions. Covenant House Illinois has indicated that it can provide interviews, photos, and additional information to media partners. They also offer access to leadership from Covenant House Illinois and to participants in the Sleep Out.
Johnpaul Higgins, the Chief Development Officer for Covenant House Illinois, is available for inquiries regarding the event. The organization is located at 2934 W. Lake Street in Chicago. Rachel Eliser, the Marketing and Communications Manager, has coordinated the outreach for this free editorial coverage. The press release includes further details about the logistics and goals of the campaign.
The Sleep Out serves as a direct appeal for community support. By sleeping in a public stadium, participants symbolize the vulnerability of youth without stable housing. The event is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The initiative is driven by the goal to end youth homelessness through direct financial contributions and increased visibility.
Covenant House Illinois emphasizes that the resources raised will provide the tools necessary for young people to stabilize their lives. The organization focuses on a holistic approach that includes mental health and educational support. The national scope of the 2026 Sleep Out highlights the widespread nature of the issue. The Chicago event remains a central component of this year's national effort.
