Covenant House Sleep Out Gives Young Professionals A Taste Of Homeless Life

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- On Friday, young professionals will trade the comfort of their homes and experience what it's like to be homeless for one night.

It's part of the Convenant House Sleep Out, which takes place in several cities across the country, including in New York City and Newark.

Participants are given a sleeping bag and cardboard box and sleep in the parking lot outside Convenant House.

"I hope that everyone realizes that we are not that different than the homeless youth, and we will all need help at some point in our lives, and inspire people to reach out to those in need in their communities," Convenant House volunteer Rebecca Gray told CBS2's Alice Gainer.

To watch the full interview with Gray and Convenant House's Ashley Crawford, click on the video player above.

Convenant House, which helps homeless youth, has already surpassed its initial goal of raising $400,000 from the event and hopes to raise more.

For more information on this year's Sleep Out, visit http://www.covenanthouse.org/Learn-more-about-Sleep-Out.