We’re excited to announce that we’re partnering with Covenant House International on their Candlelight Vigil to Honor All Homeless Youth! On Thursday, November 20th from 6 to 7 pm, young people and supporters will gather in Times Square (43 St & Broadway) in New York City (as well as at local vigils in communities across the world) to light a candle in honor of the estimated 2 million young people each year whose lives are impacted by homelessness. The evening will be a time to publicly recognize these youth, as well as celebrate their strength, resiliency, and successes.
What: Candlelight Vigil to Honor All Homeless Youth
Where: Times Square (43 St & Broadway) in New York City
Where: Thursday, November 20th from 6 to 7 pm EST
In partnering with Covenant House on this event, we shed light on the causes of homelessness and resulting impact upon all too many young people, including the disproportionate number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth who experience homelessness.
In addition to being the date of the vigil, November 20 is also Transgender Day of Remembrance. According to a new study by the Family and Youth Services Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families nearly 7% of youth experiencing homelessness surveyed identified as transgender. As we come together for this year’s Candlelight Vigil, we remember the many homeless youth – and, on this day, especially transgender youth – who have lost their lives to violence and the streets due to prejudice and rejection.
This year, at the New York City vigil, youth and leaders from homeless youth-serving agencies will be joined on stage by Vigil co-chairs Brian Cashman, General Manager of the New York Yankees, and Audra McDonald, 6-time Tony and 2-time Grammy Award winner. Audra will be teaming up with her fellow Covenant House Board member and Broadway Star, Capathia Jenkins, for some memorable performances dedicated to young people.
Of course, we hope you can encourage as many people as possible from your community to be part of the Vigil audience as well! Contact your local Covenant House or visit https://www.covenanthouse.org/ to find details on your local vigil.
Join the conversation online using #Out4HomelessYouth! Regardless of whether you’re attending a vigil or can’t make it, we invite you to light up social media in honor of all homeless youth. Give it a share on Facebook and Twitter!