As you know, Friends In Deed provides free, basic-needs furniture to low-income families currently living in unhealthy environments. While kitchen tables, couches and large appliances definitely make the list, the biggest need in our community by far is beds.
According to the Furniture Bank Association of North America, the people who sleep in places not meant for human habitation or live in homes without basic essential furniture number in the hundreds of thousands, and 40% of this population is children.
Our Friends and Neighbors
Washtenaw County is no stranger to this reality. In fact, Washtenaw County is home to a large number of people struggling to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. While they may have a roof over their heads, many families don’t have the basic furniture necessary to make a house or an apartment a home.
Pamela and her three children pick up furniture from Friends In Deed’s warehouse.
Our typical furniture clients are people coming out of homelessness; elderly people on fixed incomes; women who have to relocate with their children after undergoing a divorce or leaving an abusive situation; veterans having a hard time transitioning back into civilian life; people who are mentally or physically disabled; and victims of fire, robbery or another natural disaster.
When a family is recovering from one of the situations listed above and/or living paycheck to paycheck, there is no extra money for the purchase of furniture.
Consequences to Children
The consequences of living in an unhealthy environment are many, especially for children. Imagine how difficult getting a good night sleep is for a child who has recently experienced an upheaval due to a disaster or relocation and has to sleep on a couch or on the floor. Sleep deprivation can result in crankiness, clumsiness and fuzzy thinking. Following directions or completing a school assignment may be impossible. Friendships may also suffer as the child’s patience snaps. Worst of all, lack of a good night’s sleep can affect the child’s growth and immune system.
Give the Gift of Rest This Holiday Season
While the situation is dire, you can make a difference. Our annual Holiday Bed & Crib Drive is under way. Through the help of our partner, Van Winkle Mattress Co., we are able to purchase beds at cost. Van Winkle has also pledged to donate a bed for every five donated on Giving Tuesday, December 1st. Last year, Friends In Deeds received funds for 50 beds, which meant we received an additional 10 beds from Van Winkle. Best of all, Van Winkle allowed us to pick the size of the beds we needed most. Help us break the record this year. With your help, we can cross everybody off our waiting list.
Donate a bed or crib on Giving Tuesday!
#SleeplessInYpsi