Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I change my goal?

A. Your goal is set automatically when you set up your candle page. But we want you to light as many candles as possible to show homeless youth they have our support, so your goal changes automatically each time you reach a milestone.

Q. How to I tell my friends about the Vigil?

A. Word of mouth is a great tool but you can also send your friends an email using our tell a friend form.  To do this, go to the "tools" tab at the top of the Vigil site and click "tell a friend". This feature will generate an email about the Vigil that you can send to friends, family, co-workers or anyone you think may be interested in joining.

Q. Is my credit card information secure?

A. Yes, Covenant House is grateful for the donations that help us continue our valuable work. It is very important to us that your personal information remain secure. When you donate to Covenant House online, your credit card information is secured by a reputable security company. Also, your credit card number is used only for that particular transaction and is not stored. You will notice in your website address bar that the domain name starts with an "https" on those donation pages. This means that information entered on those pages is encrypted for your security. This actually makes it more secure than using a credit card in physical form at a store, for example. If you have any questions regarding the security of your credit card donation online or other privacy issues, please read our privacy policy or you can email news@CovenantHouse.org, or call 1-800-388-3888 for more information.

Q. Can I upload my own photo?

A. No, unfortunately you can't upload your own photos, but there are six pre-set photos for you to choose from when you light your candle. But what makes your candle unique are the words you choose to put on your candle page. Write something from the heart, use a favorite poem, quote a passage from the Bible or psalm ... just as long as the words convey your support for homeless kids.

Q. How do I find out more about hosting a vigil in my area?

A. There are two ways to host a vigil. You can organize a vigil within your community -- usually held in a public place like a park, school, church or community center. The other option is to host a smaller event in your home -- a meaningful gathering where friends can join together in support of homeless youth. Either way, you will be helping raise awareness and support for millions of kids living on the streets. For more information and to learn how to register an event, visit the "host a vigil section" and download a copy of our vigil kit.