Why We Sleep Out: A Volunteer's Journey of Joyful Service Leads to Sleep Out

"Why We Sleep Out" is a collection of stories that highlights the diverse paths that have led individuals and teams to join Covenant House's Sleep Out movement, revealing the powerful motivations and experiences that drive them to stand up for homeless youth.

Ashleigh Uzoaru, a Brooklyn-based marketing coordinator with a passion for art and community, is about to embark on a life-changing experience: her first Sleep Out with Covenant House. Her journey to this moment is rooted in her personal background and a profound desire to give back to those who need it most.

Growing up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, in a predominantly white town, she often felt out of place and isolated. Ashleigh's life was far from the picturesque image her town projected. Despite the outward appearance of wealth and safety, her home life was marked by instability and fear. "Behind my closed doors, it was never safe physically for me," Ashleigh recalls, reflecting on how these experiences shaped her understanding of safety, stability, and the importance of a secure home. This challenging environment made it difficult for her to focus on her future, yet it also fueled her determination to succeed and help others along the way. 

Her mother, a nurse, worked tirelessly to provide for Ashleigh and her siblings. As a first-generation college student, Ashleigh faced numerous hurdles. She was the "test dummy" for her siblings, navigating the college application process without guidance. Her lack of resources and knowledge meant that much of her journey was learned through trial and error. However, it was during her time at LIM College that Ashleigh discovered her passion for career building. A course in experiential education ignited a fire in her, leading her to assist other students with resume writing, cover letters, and building their personal brand. This passion became a cornerstone of her identity and her drive to uplift others, particularly those who, like her, lacked access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. 

Fast forward to her role as a Global Marketing Coordinator at La Mer, where Ashleigh became involved with Covenant House through her company's employee resource group, Noble, which supports Black employees. When she saw a call for volunteers to participate in mock interviews with Covenant House youth, Ashleigh knew she had to get involved. "I remember telling my sister, I feel renewed. I'm bopping through my office,” she said, recalling the joy and fulfillment she felt when she started volunteering. 

For Ashleigh, this was more than just volunteering—it was a calling. The impact of that first interaction led her to seek deeper involvement with Covenant House. She joined the young professional’s group and began exploring additional ways to contribute. The connection she felt with Covenant House was deeply personal. "Unsafe housing is something my siblings and I have had to deal with," Ashleigh shared, emphasizing how her own experiences fueled her commitment to the cause.

In November, during  Youth Homelessness Awareness Month she began preparing for her first Sleep Out, a natural progression of her journey with Covenant House, a way to stand in solidarity with our young people she is so passionate about helping. 

Ashleigh’s message to others considering getting involved with Covenant House is clear and heartfelt. "This work is life-changing, not just for the youth we support, but for us as well. The joy, the fulfillment, the purpose you feel—it’s indescribable. If you’re looking for a way to make a real difference, to connect with others on a deeper level, and to do something that truly matters, I can’t think of a better place to start than with Covenant House."

Her story is a reminder that while the youth at Covenant House face unimaginable challenges, the supporters who stand beside them are also changed by the experience of solidarity and unconditional love. Ashleigh’s passion and dedication inspire others to join her in making a difference, one step at a time.