Broadway Breakdown: Episode Summary – "Sleep Out: Stage and Screen for Covenant House with David Hovey"

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik ventures beyond the typical Broadway discussions to spotlight a remarkable initiative supporting homeless youth. Joined by David Hovey from Covenant House, Matt explores the organization's mission, facilities, and their impactful events, particularly the upcoming Sleep Out: Stage and Screen.

Meet David Hovey and Covenant House

Matt opens the conversation by introducing his guest, David Hovey, who works at Covenant House. The initial banter sets a relaxed and engaging tone for the discussion.

Matt Koplik [00:37]: "Hello all you theater lovers both out and proud and on the DL. ... I want you to help me welcome a new guest to the pod, Mr. David Hovey, who works at Covenant House. Hi, David."

David provides a comprehensive overview of Covenant House, emphasizing its role as the world's largest provider of housing support for homeless youth and those facing human trafficking.

David Hovey [02:45]: "Covenant House ... is the world's largest provider of housing support for youth facing homelessness and human trafficking in the world."

He highlights the organization's extensive reach, serving 2,400 youth daily across North America and soon expanding to Boston.

Facilities and Services at Covenant House

David delves into the impressive facilities and holistic services Covenant House offers, which go beyond mere shelter. He describes a purpose-built shelter featuring amenities tailored to support and empower youth.

David Hovey [05:49]: "We have the gym. We have a recording studio, care over public records, ... multiple art therapy rooms, a multi-faith space, large gathering space."

Key services include:

• Medical Care: A fully federally qualified medical center ensures comprehensive health services.
• Legal Support: An in-house legal team assists with issues ranging from migration to minor legal troubles.
• Workforce Development: Programs focused on education, job training, resume building, and interview preparation help youth gain stability and independence.
• Transitional Housing: The Rites of Passage program offers apartment-style living, fostering responsibility and financial independence through rent contributions saved for future housing needs.

David Hovey [08:15]: "Within the first two weeks of them getting there, we are getting them either back into school or ... helping them find jobs."

Upcoming Covenant House Events

Transitioning to community involvement, David outlines several upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and funds for Covenant House's mission.

Sleep Out: Stage and Screen

The centerpiece event is the Sleep Out: Stage and Screen, scheduled for August 10th. This initiative encourages participants to experience a night outdoors in solidarity with homeless youth, fostering empathy and understanding.

David Hovey [10:10]: "Sleep Out Stage and Screen ... is one of our premier give back initiatives."

Participants engage in a structured experience that includes:

• Evening Programming: Speakers, panels with youth ambassadors, and breakout sessions facilitate meaningful interactions.
• Sleeping Outdoors: From 8 PM to 5:30 AM, attendees sleep outside at the Covenant House shelter, underscoring the realities of homelessness without imitating the experience.
• Morning Reflection: A debriefing session helps participants process their experiences and commit to ongoing support.

Additional Events

Leading up to the main sleep-out, Covenant House is hosting:

• Summer Self-Care Celebration (July 14th): A volunteer-focused event featuring interactive crafts and activities designed to support youth wellness.

  David Hovey [17:08]: "We are setting up like a fun little tiki bar for the youth and creating a menu of different juice drinks."

• Happy Hour Networking (July 27th): An opportunity for participants to connect, ask questions, and engage with the Covenant House community.

David Hovey [18:31]: "Just come get all your burning questions asked about Covenant House or what Sleep out participation looks like."

Engaging with Covenant House

David emphasizes multiple avenues for community support beyond the sleep-out events:

• Virtual Sleep Outs: Accommodating those unable to attend in person, allowing broader participation and fundraising support.

  David Hovey [16:31]: "We actually also do have a virtual option ... forming a team out there."

• Monthly Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging ongoing involvement through various programs and initiatives.

• Donation and Fundraising: Highlighting the importance of financial support to sustain and expand their services.

David Hovey [14:26]: "We ask everyone to raise about $1,000. It's super, super doable."

Concluding Thoughts and Inspiration

As the episode draws to a close, David shares inspiring updates on Covenant House's efforts to end youth homelessness, including new housing developments in Boston.

David Hovey [20:09]: "We really think and plan to end youth homelessness. ... by the end of this year, have 25 brand new units in Boston."

Matt and David reinforce the message that homelessness does not define individuals and that collective action can drive meaningful change.

Matt Koplik [09:01]: "...sleeping outside is going to help these kids. It is also a fundraiser."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt endorsement of Audra McDonald’s ongoing support and the community’s collective efforts to support Covenant House.

David Hovey [22:26]: "Enjoy it. It's for you, it's for me, it's for all of us."

How to Get Involved

Listeners interested in supporting Covenant House and participating in the Sleep Out event can find more information and sign up through the following channels:

• Website: covenanthouse.org and sleepout.org
• Social Media: Follow Matt Koplik on Instagram @koblik for updates and event details.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Explore monthly volunteering options on the Covenant House New York website.

Final Remarks

This episode of Broadway Breakdown serves as a powerful reminder of the role the Broadway community plays in broader social issues. By highlighting Covenant House's initiatives, Matt Koplik not only educates his audience but also mobilizes them to make a tangible difference in the lives of homeless youth.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Koplik [09:01]: "...sleeping outside is going to help these kids. It is also a fundraiser."
• David Hovey [10:10]: "Sleep Out Stage and Screen ... is one of our premier give back initiatives."
• David Hovey [20:09]: "We really think and plan to end youth homelessness. ... by the end of this year, have 25 brand new units in Boston."

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