Urgent Movement to Rescue Homeless Youth Unites Stars of Broadway & Television and Hundreds of Child Advocates on Thursday, November 5, in Times Square

Urgent Movement to Rescue Homeless Youth Unites Stars of Broadway & Television and Hundreds of Child Advocates on Thursday, November 5, in Times Square

NEW YORK, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Covenant House's movement to rescue homeless youth is unfortunately more urgent today than ever as the fallout from our nation's economic crisis and record-setting foreclosures continue to force young people out of their homes onto the streets with no place to stay. With unemployment rates edging 10%, these young people, many of whom have limited education and job training, have few prospects for work or hope.

To shine a light on this national crisis, the 19th Annual Covenant House Candlelight Vigil will be held on Thursday, November 5, 5:30 pm, as the largest national advocacy event of the year on behalf of homeless kids. The vigil will unite stars from Broadway and television along with hundreds of child advocates and members of the public, who will stand side-by side-with homeless kids from Covenant House to transform Times Square into a center of hope and solidarity for homeless youth. Vigils also will be held at Covenant House shelters throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America, as well as in churches, schools and individual homes.

"The Covenant House Candlelight Vigil is an urgent call to action on behalf of the estimated one million young people who are homeless in America each night," says Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. "If enough of us united in big and small ways, we could save our homeless youth and end this crisis. Some of our kids need a safe home; some need a job; many of our kids want mentors, and others just need an interview suit and some of life's necessities."

"The vigil gives us the opportunity to celebrate the lives of the kids we've been able to rescue from the streets. In doing so, we also take the time to solemnly remember the young, promising lives lost to the streets. We honor their memories by fighting for the rights of homeless children still subsisting on the streets and sending a unified message across the city and across the world that no homeless youth will ever be forgotten," explains Ryan.

This year's Vigil in Times Square will feature the star of Billy Elliot, Broadway newcomer Alex Ko; Phantom of the Opera and Fiddler on the Roof star Rita Harvey; and Guiding Light star Karla Mosley. Homeless youth being helped by Covenant House will be telling their stories and performing inspirational music with the stars.

"Thanks to the support of so many friends, on November 5th our kids will be heard," said Ryan. "And in the days that follow, we must use the momentum of the vigil to stand together as part of the largest human rights movement for homeless kids in the Americas."

About Covenant House

Covenant House provides 24/7 crisis care and on-going support for young people in need of a safe haven. Assistance can be found by simply calling the Covenant House NINELINE (1-800-999-9999) or visiting www.nineline.org. More information about Covenant House and resources for homeless youth can be found at www.covenanthouse.org.

Source: Covenant House

CONTACT: Tom Manning, Office, +1-212-727-4920, Cell, +1-845-300-2126

Web Site: http://www.covenanthouse.org/

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