Covenant House Texas will bring together Houston’s business and civic leaders for its annual Sleep Out: Executive Edition on November 20–21, 2025, a powerful overnight event held during National Homelessness Awareness Month. The initiative challenges participants to give up their beds for one night and sleep outdoors in solidarity with young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking, raising critical funds for the organization’s year-round services.

Youth homelessness remains a growing crisis in Houston. According to regional studies, thousands of young people experience homelessness each year, many of them fleeing abuse, aging out of foster care, or surviving trafficking. Nationally, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults face homelessness annually, with LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color disproportionately represented. In Texas, where major cities have experienced increases in housing insecurity among teens and young adults, Covenant House remains one of the few providers offering comprehensive, trauma-informed services specifically designed for ages 18–24.

Funds raised from the Sleep Out support Covenant House Texas’ 24/7 programs, providing safe shelter, warm meals, medical and mental health care, job readiness training, GED preparation, counseling, and legal support — all at no cost to young people seeking safety and stability. Many arrive with few belongings and no support system; Covenant House offers a path forward built on dignity, healing, and opportunity.

“Sleep Out is not about pretending to be homeless,” said Anthony Flynn, CEO of Covenant House Texas. “It’s about standing in solidarity and making a statement that every young person deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised ensure we can continue to open our doors and our hearts to youth in crisis, every day, all year long.”

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, founder of Gallery Furniture will serve as Honorary Chair for this year’s event. McIngvale joins Houston-area executives, faith leaders, and community advocates who will spend the night on the Covenant House Texas campus participating in service projects, hearing firsthand stories from residents and alumni, and gaining deeper insight into the structural challenges that contribute to youth homelessness.

“Covenant House Texas is doing life-changing work,” McIngvale said. “These young people are our future, and it’s our responsibility as a community to help them find hope, purpose, and a safe place to sleep.”

The evening will include a candlelight vigil, a youth panel, and a late-night “Lights Out” moment of reflection. Participants will conclude their experience with breakfast and discussion early Friday morning.

Since its founding, Covenant House Texas has supported thousands of young people across Greater Houston, helping them transition from crisis to independence through stable housing, education, workforce development, and comprehensive support services. The organization is part of an international network operating in 33 cities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, all committed to uplifting youth facing homelessness and trafficking.