‘Tent City’ benefits homeless youth

For over 30 years, students at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, have been sleeping out in solidarity with the homeless youth of New Jersey. 

Known as Tent City on campus, the event not only raises awareness, but also money for Covenant House New Jersey, an organization providing a warm bed, food, and health and wellness services to homeless youth and survivors of human trafficking. 

One attendee, Aiden DaSilva, said, “The Tent City Sleep Out was an awesome and formative experience that helped me learn so much. I was able to further my understanding and practice of Saint Joe’s values of helping others and following Christ’s example.”

Organized by Stephen Horan ‘25, Tent City is “so much more than just a night spent with friends.

“Tent City is a chance to step into the shoes of those facing real struggles, even if it’s only for a few hours,” Horan said. “It’s a really powerful reminder of the struggles so many people have to endure.”

Kirsten Corley, Student Initiatives Officer of Covenant House Newark, attended as she does every year to talk to the students about why their Sleep Out is important.  Covenant House provides love, shelter and hope to homeless youth. Corley also brought one of their residents to explain to the students about the programs CH offers and to tell his story.

This year, 91 members of the Saint Joseph community slept out, raising a total of $34,696. Throughout the night, students set up tents, participated in group discussions, and spent time keeping warm around the fire. 

“This event helps open the eyes of our students to the plight of homeless youths in our own area as well as raise funds for Covenant House’s life changing programs for their residents,” Tracey Coudriet, director of Campus Ministry, said.

Saint Joseph High School has a direct connection with Covenant House, as Kevin Ryan ‘85 was the CEO and president of the organization for 22 years until his retirement in March 2024.

Contributed by Stephen Horan ‘25