As temperatures are expected to dip below freezing for yet another night, D.C. will once again offer shelter to all people without a place to sleep. This includes homeless and runaway minors under the age of 18, who are being offered an additional six crisis beds this winter.

One of the local providers tasked with outreach to youth is Covenant House, which for another year will hold a candlelight vigil and “sleep out” tonight to raise awareness about homeless youth.

“Tonight’s vigil is an opportunity for us to stand in solidarity with homeless young people from all over our city and region who don’t have any other option,” Melissia Gould, coordinator of Volunteerism and Engagement at Covenant House, said by phone. “It’s a time for us to reflect on all the young people who have come through our doors throughout the years and have really been able to get a jumpstart on life after participating in our programs.”

In addition to the lighting of candles, youth who are going or who have gone through the program will speak.

Last year, city officials and advocates clashed over the lack of language guaranteeing unaccompanied minors a right to shelter. This winter, these minors may stay in one of the six crisis beds available for “up to three days without parental or court approval.” The Runaway and Homeless Youth Hotline received 114
calls for assistance between May and July of this year.

While D.C. has made an increased investment in homeless youth, although not as large as some advocates want, Gould said “a lot of people may not” realize the youth they see on the streets are homeless. “A lot of these young people don’t have anywhere else to go,” she said. “They don’t have a secure home that’s safe.” She added that, because it’s hard to clearly identify a homeless young person, there’s a stigma that surrounds them.

More than 80 people are registered to sleep on Freedom Plaza as part of the “sleep out,” a big jump from the 29 sleepers who participated last year. The vigil begins at 6:30 p.m.