As the winter season sets in across the United States, countless individuals face the harsh realities of cold weather without the safety and warmth of a home. For young people experiencing homelessness, this time of year brings even greater challenges, from freezing temperatures to the struggle of finding necessities. 

In the face of this crisis, organizations like Covenant House and partners like Cisco are stepping up to fight for a brighter future. Homelessness is a pressing crisis impacting millions globally, especially for young people who are impacted by the rising cost of living and shortage of affordable housing. In 2023 alone, approximately 650,000 individuals in the US experienced homelessness — a 12% increase from the year before. Many of these individuals are not in shelters, but instead facing unsheltered conditions. 

The rising cost of living and a severe shortage of affordable housing have driven many young people to the brink, forcing them to confront unimaginable challenges. Amidst these sobering realities, organizations like Covenant House and partners like Cisco are stepping up to fight for a brighter future.

Covenant House, one of the largest organizations of its kind in North and Central America, has been a beacon of hope for young people experiencing homelessness and survivors of trafficking since 1972. With services spanning 34 cities across the US, Canada, and Latin America, Covenant House offers immediate relief through warm meals, safe shelter, and clean clothes. However, their commitment doesn’t end there; they provide long-term solutions such as housing and job training programs, all while advocating for policies that address the root causes of homelessness.

Cisco encouraged employees to participate in a Sleep Out campaign in NYC to experience the realities of homelessness firsthand. Image: Supplied.

Cisco x Covenant House at the 2024 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, raising awareness and advocating to end youth homelessness. Image: Supplied.

The Global Citizen team took part in the Sleep Out, standing in solidarity with Cisco and Covenant House’s mission to support homeless youth. Image: Supplied.

Cisco has become a vital ally in this mission, leveraging its resources, expertise, and dedicated workforce to make a meaningful impact. Since their partnership began in 2014, Cisco’s collaboration with Covenant House has grown from a small group of employees participating in the Sleep Out event to a full-scale movement within the company. By 2023, nearly 700 employees and their families joined Sleep Out, an event designed to raise awareness and funds by experiencing just one night of sleeping outside, reflecting the harsh realities faced by homeless youth. 

For Cisco employees, Sleep Out events have become more than a tradition — they’ve become a powerful tool for understanding and addressing youth homelessness on a deeper level. These events, where participants spend a night without the comforts of home, are not just about raising funds. They are about gaining a new perspective on the challenges faced by youth experiencing homelessness, fostering empathy, and galvanizing further action. By participating in or supporting these events, you can help ensure every young person can sleep safely and dream of a brighter future.

Beyond Fundraising: A Holistic Approach
Cisco’s commitment to ending youth homelessness goes far beyond monetary contributions. The company has donated an impressive $130 million to Covenant House, a significant portion of which has been used to sustain and expand critical programs. This substantial support has enabled Covenant House to provide more nights of safe shelter, enhance its job training programs, and reach more youth in need. However, Cisco’s year-round engagement genuinely sets its efforts apart. Employees volunteer their time and skills at Covenant House locations across the continent, offering mentorship, organizing supply drives, and providing educational resources.

The Need Has Never Been Greater
In 2023, Covenant House provided over 850,000 nights of safe shelter to youth in need. These services are critical at a time when 74% of extremely low-income renters in the US are spending more than half of their income on rent, leaving little room for other essentials or savings. The financial pressures driving this crisis demand immediate and sustained action.

Covenant House’s comprehensive approach — from street outreach to advocacy — gives young people the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Advocacy, in particular, is a crucial part of their mission. By advocating for policies that address the root causes of homelessness. Covenant House is working to entirely end the cycle of homelessness. Cisco’s support amplifies this mission, enabling Covenant House to serve more youth and expand its reach. Together, they are working not just to address the symptoms of homelessness but to end the cycle entirely.

Building Hope, One Youth at a Time
Since its inception, Covenant House has opened its doors to over 1.5 million young people, offering more than a place to stay. They provide a foundation for hope, empowering youth to overcome their circumstances and build fulfilling lives. Cisco’s involvement has played a key role in this transformative work. By combining financial support with hands-on engagement, Cisco demonstrates the power of corporate responsibility in addressing one of society’s most pressing issues.

Cisco’s regional leader, Monica Naim, who herself was once unhoused and who sits on the board of Covenant House, captured the heart of this mission on stage at the Global Citizen Festival in September: “Having a home is a basic right we believe everyone is entitled to. Cisco employees are passionate about working with Covenant House to ensure young people sleep safely and dream of bright futures. We believe we can end the cycle of homelessness, and we are backing up these words with actions like volunteering, mentoring, grants, training through our Cisco Networking Academy, and cash donations to Covenant House totaling $130 million.”

A Call to Action
The crisis of youth homelessness is escalating, and the time to act is now. While Cisco’s collaboration with Covenant House showcases how businesses can play a key role in making a difference, the fight to end youth homelessness is far from over. Together, we can build a future where every young person has the support, shelter, and opportunities they need to thrive. Let’s unite to transform this vision into a reality. Join us and learn how you can get involved.