A Place to Sleep

WHAT IS A PLACE TO SLEEP?

Inspired by the movie, The Blind Side, 10-yr-old Jessica Collins was determined in December 2009 to provide a bed for someone who didn't have one, preferably a child. A scene in the film moved her toward something greater. After watching the touching scene where Michael Oher admits he's never had a bed, Jessica asked her parents if there really were children in the U.S. who didn’t have beds. When she learned it was true, she asked if she could donate a bed to a family as a Christmas project. Working with the people in her church, not only did she provide one, but a place to sleep for 6 children. Driven by this success, she has expanded across Kentucky and is working with the local school systems to identify needs. Beds and bedding are provided for children, ages newborn through graduating high school, in their homes. The goal is to help as many children as possible when the needs arise. A Place to Sleep has provided beds for over 3,300 children with more than 90 on a constantly growing waiting list.

WHY DON'T KIDS HAVE BEDS?

There are numerous reasons why children don't have a bed: fires, floods, poverty, bed bugs, addiction, and transitory lifestyles to name a few. Kentucky has the nation's highest rate of grandparents or other relatives raising children - with 9 percent of kids being raised by a relative compared with the national rate of 4 percent, according to a report from Kentucky Youth Advocates in 2018. These relatives are not always prepared with extra beds, bedding.

While A Place to Sleep was created with Shelby County, Kentucky children in mind, the program is available for all children.  The issue has been how to get the beds to them.  We are able to help with delivery for those located in Shelby County.  For those outside of Shelby County, we are now able to ship to their homes or they can pick up.

To date, A Place to Sleep has helped children in 30 Kentucky counties, most in Shelby County.  Communities are encouraged to raise funds locally to help provide beds for the children living there.  Donors can designate where they would like to have their donations spent by simply letting us know in the comment section.

WHAT DOES A PLACE TO SLEEP NEED?

A Place to Sleep needs funds to purchase mattresses, foundations, frames, sheet sets, pillows, comforters and blankets.  The bulk of our funds each year are spent on mattresses. It costs approximately $300 to outfit one child with a complete twin bed and bedding.

BUT DOES THIS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

The schools have followed the progress of students helped by A Place to Sleep.  They have shared with us that students are coming to school rested and ready to learn and they are missing fewer days. Since they have had a better night's sleep, the students are in a better mood and their behavior is much improved.  Their grades are improving, and their overall sense of self-worth is greatly increased.  Yes, it is making a difference.

                     

Every cent donated to A Place to Sleep goes to provide beds and bedding for children.  $0 is used to pay salaries, overhead or to reimburse volunteers for mileage/gas.  The joy of having their own bed is evident by the smiles on their faces.  That is our reward.

HERE'S WHAT THE KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS HAVE TO SAY:

"It's nice to have my own new bed that's all mine. Makes me feel like a bigger kid."

"It feels good to have something new and not something that was someone else's."

"It's truly a blessing to have community support like this. As a Mom, times are hard. To know there are places like this to help is so appreciated."

"Having beds means everything to my kids. They will not be sleeping on floors anymore."

"I am so grateful for A Place to Sleep. As a single Mom of a growing teenage boy, I couldn't afford to replace his bed that he'd outgrown. He wasn't getting a good night's sleep, and it was affecting his everyday life. Now my son can sleep peacefully and continue to grow in a bed he can use for the rest of his life."

"I'm a struggling Mom of 3 and unfortunately couldn't afford beds. When I heard about A Place to Sleep through a friend and applied for help, my children and I were truly surprised by how fast and caring you were. My kids are so happy and grateful.

"Thank you for the beautiful beds you gave us. We are children of a single mother who works hard for us and takes care of us. She's a single Mom with 7 kids. Not long ago, the house got infested with bedbugs, and we had to get rid of our beds and everything. Mom got beds for the little ones and could only afford air mattresses for the rest of us. They were comfy, but nothing like sleeping in a regular bed. My sister and I are more than happy to have a wonderful bed. May God bless everyone who helps A Place to Sleep so they can help kids like us."